Falafel-O-Rama!

I’ve mentioned before that when Adam requests a meal, it must mean that it was particularly good… so of course, while discussing groceries, when he asked me to make “those falafel things” again, I happily obliged! The original recipe was quite simple and delicious when I made it the first time, but I couldn’t help thinking that it was missing something. I added some fresh parsley to the mix today, as well as some fresh garlic. Instead of JUST pan-cooking them, I browned both sides in a pan and then transferred them to a 400* oven… they were PERFECT! The only thing they were missing was a warm pita and tahini sauce, but those are 2 things that I just don’t keep in the house! I served the falafel on top of some roasted red pepper Sabra hummus with some avocado slices. I was so excited to eat, I almost forgot to take a picture!

These look like they’re either ENORMOUS falafel or a small plate. I assure you, this was served on my 6” salad plate!  I did have a couple additional small falafel, but I’m saving room for my vegetables! I’ll be having a Green Monster for dessert! I had one for breakfast and could not stop thinking about how good it was. I’ll be making a smaller one of course, but the mix was just perfect:

• 3 cups spinach
• 2/3 c. vanilla Almond Breeze
• 6 frozen strawberries
• VERY ripe banana
• 2 Tbsp. chocolate PB2 

I couldn’t believe how creamy it was! I was very bummed out when I finished it… so I want another one!

Now… You may be wondering why I called this post “Falafel-o-rama”… Well, I’m so excited to bring you tonight’s Guest for Dinner: Shannon from The Daily Balance! I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful (and freaking GORGEOUS) girl during her trip to Chicago, and I immediately wished she lived closer. She’s such a sweetheart, and has a fantastic blog. I urge you to check it out! Oh, and just wait until you see who her shopping companion is! So, Shannon, pull up a chair, have a seat at my table, and tell us about your meal!

Hello, all! So happy to be a ‘guest’ of Mara’s! I’ve been meaning to put a post together for A LONG time, but it’s a bit of pressure, no?! I mean for those of you who don’t read my blog The Daily Balance (www.thedailybalance.com), this is my FIRST impression to show you all that I am capable of making and eating pure deliciousness. Oh boy…

Staying true to form, I chose something easy. Side note — I can cook, I promise! I often share lots of yummy (and a bit more advanced) recipes, but sometimes we all just need a good "no-fuss-no-muss: meal, no? People, I’m here for ya!

I introduce to you Laughing falafel.

Yes, this falafel has got quite a sense of humor. See the way his lil grill-marks curve upwards, exposing his smug grin? COME ON PEOPLE, I’m not that dense! I utilize laughing cow in the recipe, which is where the stupid clever name comes from

Let’s back track a bit, shall we? On one of my recent trips to Whole Foods, VeggieGirl (yes, that’s right, I shop with VeggieGirl – be jealous) pointed out that Sunshine Burgers FALAFEL Burgers were available. Holding in my SQUEALING I calmly walked to the freezer and added it to my cart. Since then I have been CRAVING falafel. DREAMING falafel. I couldn’t wait to tear the box open to create my masterpiece!

I considered hiding them from the Mister (after all, there are only three per box!). Lord knows, he always gets into my stash — this would serve him right! But alas, I’m just too perfect of a wife

We finally utilized our toaster oven — a genius purchase, I might add, made by the Mister (we’ve used it once, if that’s any indication — I realize sarcasm doesn’t read too well).

While we could have used the microwave, I prefer my veggie burgers/falafel burgers/black bean burgers to have a bit of crunch to them, as opposed to mushiness. Using the toaster oven actually worked really will to give me the consistency I was looking for (yay Mister!, the toaster oven actually served a purpose!).

I toasted an Arnold Sandwich Thin and lathered my falafel patty with Laughing Cow (Light Original Swiss). I would have loved to have whipped up a yogurt dill sauce or something, but I didn’t have the ingredients (scratch that, let’s be honest) I was simply too lazy.

This sandwich was DELICIOUS! The patty was jam packed with incredible ingredients, check out that corn kernel (and cheesy goodness!)

Of course I had to have a sweet ending! The Mister and I curled up on the couch to catch up on Tivo with two bowls of frozen yogurt and hot ‘fudge.’ The hot fudge was simply fat-free dark chocolate Jell-O Pudding heated up in the microwave for 40 seconds — trust me on this one, it’s delish!

While the Mister and I enjoyed our dinner in harmony, next time may not be so sweet. Like I said, there is only one of the falafel patties left. It’s war people, he doesn’t stand a chance

   

Thanks so much Shannon! Note to self… look for falafel burgers in my freezer section… do YOU want to be my Guest for Dinner? Just email me a post about your dinner to mara@imadedinner.net!

A Green Monster is calling my name, but just a reminder: if you would like one of the adorable foodie charms, just fill out the form here and your order will be shipped ASAP!

As usual, I’m exhausted after a day of teaching, grading, and talent show rehearsals… so I’m outie!

Tagged as: Guests for Dinner, simple recipe, vegetarian