testing testing 1..2...3...

Still trying to familiarize myself with blogspot & get the hang of things! I still think facebook is more user friendly, but I prefer the blogspot b/c this way I can upload all of my pretty food pictures and not appear the least bit odd =P. Today for lunch I wanted another veggie burger. Ever since my run in with the delicious boca burger at Buffalo Wild Wings I've been determined to find a homemade recipe that tastes even better. I'd have to say that today's recipe, even though it tasted nothing like the boca burger, may just be that burger I've been looking for...(haven't quite decided yet! =))

Clocking in at only 166 calories (with my tortilla circles substituting for mini burger buns) it definitely has my approval. I adapted this recipe from  www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1552/goats-cheese-herb-and-lemon-patties , but did some tweaking of my own!

      +RECIPE:

1/4c. garbanzo beans 55 cals

.3 oz onion 4 cals

1/8 tsp lemon juice 0 cals

1/2 tsp parmesan cheese 5 cals

1/8 tsp parsley 0 cals

.2 oz goat cheese 14 cals

1 egg white 17 cals

.4oz carrots 5 cals

1/4c. spinach 2 cals

1/8 tsp kosher salt 0 cals

1 tsp flax 12 cals

Step #1: Combine mashed garbanzo beans, chopped onion, parmesan cheese, goat cheese, and spices all together.

 

Step #2: Mix in egg white, carrots, spinach, flax, and then mold into three mini veggie patties

Step #3: Spray down a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and heat them up and flip when they start to brown.

Step #4 and 5: Marvel at your work and create your own mini tortilla buns by using a store-bought tortilla and a small cup to cut into circles!



Step #6: Spread whatever condiments you wish on your burger (I chose mustard) and enjoy!

I paired my mini veggie burgers with two small mushrooms, each filled with 1/2 T of cottage cheese and 1/2 T of salsa, and a gala apple (they're my favorite! :))

What are your favorite side dishes to go with hamburgers or veggie burgers?

I'd love to hear from you so leave some comments =)

Danielle

Major changes underway

I'm too skinny. I've had numerous wakeup calls within the past couple of weeks: pictures I've seen of myself, people commenting on my overly skinny physique, not being able to fill out size zero pants at my new job, wearing layers over layers because I'm cold ALL THE TIME, not being able to "roll like a ball" in yoga class because it hurts, and lastly the number reflected on the SCALE. Embarassingly enough I've taken this healthy eating too far and now I weigh in at 99.1 pounds.

On a positive note I've had nothing but wonderful experiences in the kitchen today. This deserves a HUGE pat on the back and maybe 5, 6, or 7 gold stars ;). For all of the ones who don't know me...I'm slightly challenged when it comes to everything related to cooking and baking. I'm a prepackaged, low calorie kind of gal that is recently trying to learn how to change my ways and learn the following: patience, cooking/baking, and trying new recipes! =)


For Lunch: whipped up a veggie burger (2 mini patties to be exact) and sandwiched each part in a La tortilla wrap! I put my sweet tooth to rest with a 1/4 c. of strawberries, 1 tsp agave nectar, and 1/4 c. of fage greek yogurt.



 +RECIPE: .4 ounces onion 5 cals

.8 ounces carrots 9 cals

1/4 c. spinach 2 cals

1/4 c. garbanzo beans 55 cals

1 egg white 17 cals

 .2 ounces dutch crisp bread 23 cals

1/2 tsp olive oil 20 cals

wrap 50 cals

TOTAL: 181 cals

Combine egg white, garbanzo beans, and a little bit of salt in a food processor until it looks like the consistency of hummus. Next, mix in chopped of veggies and crisp bread and allow a couple of minutes for the mixture to set. After the mixture has had time to set heat the olive oil in a skillet and form two veggie patties, placing on the skillet when ready. Let each side cook for8-9 minutes. Serve in a La tortilla wrap.



+RECIPE: 1/4 c. fage greek yogurt

1/2 tsp agave nectar 10 cals

1/4 c. strawberries 13 cals

TOTAL: 53 cals

For Snack: Decided I'd give baking another shot and tweaked a pumpkin muffin recipe I found online. It actually turned out! I was pleased with my 107 calorie muffin! =)

+RECIPE: 1/4 c. flour 120 cals

1/2 c. instant quaker oats processed in food processor 150 cals

1/2 c. pumpkin 40 cals

2 T natural applesauce 14 cals

1 egg 80 cals

1/2 c. grated carrots 23 cals

1/4 tsp salt 0 cals

1/2 tsp cinnamon 3 cals

1 tsp baking powder 2 cals

1/2 tsp baking soda 0 cals

1/4 c. maple syrup 210 cals

TOTAL: 642 cals

serves 6 for 107 cals a piece

Put 1/2 c. of oats into a food processor until it looks like four. Combine the "oat flour" with 1/4 c. whole wheat flour , baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in one bowl. In a different bowl mix pumpkin, applesauce, egg, carrots (after being grated), and maple syrup. Now mix the flour mixture in with the wet ingredients. Use Pam nonstick spray and coat the muffin tin of 6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes or until done? I don't know how long I baked mine b/c my oven was acting up on me, but they turned out just fine. Be sure to keep an eye on them and they will turn out :)