When I am in a blue funk everything is exaggerated. Today while I was weeding in my herb garden I got stung by a little bee. Yes, you heard me right, I was stung, again. But because of my mood I exaggerated my reaction and I felt like everyone is against me, even the bees. When I am in one of these moods nothing seems to go right. I broke a light bulb while trying to clean up the cabinets in my laundry room and then after I swept up the broken glass I managed to drop it on the floor again. What's a poor soul to do? Eat of course.
Comfort food was my only cure for today's blues. I decided to fry everything I picked today. I fried eggplant, green tomatoes and okra. I love crispy textures, especially when it can't get any fresher than today's pickings. Sandwiches are another kind of my favorite comfort foods. Since I became a vegetarian I have missed some of my old favorites like a good reuben made with tender brisket and tangy sauerkraut, a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with fresh tomatoes, a club sandwich and of course the ever delicious hamburger with a variety of toppings. So I decided to share some of my modified vegetarian and vegan sandwich recipes that help me chase the blues away.
Boca Burger with Portabello Mushroom
This is best cooked on the grill but it can be cooked on the stove.
You will need one Boca Burger brand Vegan Patty, one large portabello mushroom, blue cheese or any crumbly cheese of your choice, whole wheat hamburger buns, vegan mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise, lettuce, purple onion and tomato.
Brush the mushroom with olive oil on both sides then season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder or any seasonings you like.
Place the frozen Boca Burger and the mushroom on a moderate heat grill until the burger is done and the mushroom is juicy. This usually takes about ten minutes, if the burger is thawed is takes less time. Put the crumbled cheese in the mushroom until it melts.
To assemble, spread the mayo on the buns, add the burger, the mushroom, sliced onions, lettuce and tomatoes. This is a double hand burger that is juicy and delicious. I'm sure you will be hooked once you've tried it.
Grilled "cheese" sandwich
The ingredients for this simple sandwich is whole wheat bread, vegan cheddar cheese, or any sliced cheese you like, and organic Smart Balance whipped butter spread.
Spread the butter on both sides of the bread, layer two to three slices of cheese on once slice and top it with the other slice. Cook on a medium hot skillet until it is brown, crispy and gooey with melted cheese. You can also add a tomato to this sandwich before cooking for a delicious flavor.
Eat and enjoy.
Bologna Sandwich
Yes I can have a bologna sandwich too and not feel guilty about what it is made of! There is a large variety of "mock" meats in the stores made from soy and gluten. Many of these products are used as fillers in hamburger mixtures served in tacos and hamburger patties at fast food eateries.
My favorite mock meats are made by Light Life Smart Deli. They make bologna, hot dogs, chicken patties, turkey meat and hamburger crumbles.
I make my bologna sandwich on Pepperidge Farms whole wheat Deli Flats bread. Spread the bread with vegan mayo, place bologna, sliced tomatoes and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper. The basil adds a wonderful fresh taste to this healthy alternative to regular bologna.
You can get creative with your spreads. With mayonnaise you can mix in some organic barbecue sauce, pickle relish, horseradish sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce or organic ketchup. These will each bring your mayo to a new level of culinary experience.
You can also use any variety of mustards and any of the other spreads that are on the market.
I hope you will try my sandwich recipes the next time you need a boost in your gloomy mood. Sandwiches have a way of bringing us back to happy times and childhood memories of picnics in the park .
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matthew 6:34
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