Trying out some fancy

I know, there's lots of stuff to talk about. Iron Chef (me!), the Waffle Party, my trip to Los Angeles, my first annual 39th birthday, and blah blah blah. I've never had so much to blog about and had so little time. It used to be the reverse.

So, just quickly, for tonight, here's a taste. My friend Ed told me that some restaurant in St. Paul served a chickpea-wild-rice burger. Not to be outdone, I ransacked my kitchen in search of ingredients. I had dried chickpeas, so I did a fast soak and slow cooked them. I had some wild rice, but...ew. Have you seen what happens to bagged grains if you don't use them for eight months? I can't even say it, let alone type it. So. Grossed. Out. I did, however; have a brand new bag of brown basmati (which I immediately transfered to a Rubbermaid container). This is what I came up with.

Chickpea and Basmati Burgers (with mashed potatoes, sautéed garlic scapes, and a balsamic reduction. Someone thinks she's all gourmet n' shit)

I made a ton of these and I just need to tweak it a little before I post a recipe. If you want it. It kind of sounds like how vegan food sounds to asshole omnivores (before you get all upset, notice I said "asshole omnivores," not "omnivore assholes"); kind of beige, a little hippie, and for sure blah. Not the case. They were very hearty in texture (one might say, "meaty"!), sweet and savory, and a little spicy. More to come.