NNM!

it's national nutrition month- eat right, your way, every day. not sure what exactly that means, but i'm thinking this is full of nutritious goodness, makes me happy, it's just the "every day" that trips me up. but it's all a work in progress. 

it's another exam week so stress baking/cooking as i "study."

i can't remember how i stumbled on this recipe, probably one day at work killing time before closing. i do like delish's slideshows they have whenever i visit msn. but this recipe is super easy and quick and can really be fiddled with to your hearts content- "your way." if you look at the original recipe and then mine, i made several modifications (for instance i made mine gluten free, but then killed that w/ the bread), go ahead, have some fun!

Tuna Burgers

(serves 5)

Adapted from Delish

Burger

2 cans (5oz) chunk light tuna, not drained

1/2 T chia seeds

1/4 c plus 1 T corn meal

1/4 c plain yogurt

1/2 c finely chopped carrots (I used 3 fat baby carrots)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, divided

EVOO (for cooking)

Garlic "aioli"

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/4-1/2 tsp mashed garlic

1/4 tsp EVOO

5 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted

5 lettuce leaves

5 slices tomato

1 avocado, sliced

5 slices pepper jack cheese

Slices of onion

Soak tuna (with water) in chia seeds for 15 minutes until the seeds become more gelatinous and the liquid is gone. *I'm really only testing this out, if you don't have chia seeds, drain the water and go forth! Add in the other burger ingredients until combined and mixed evenly. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, make 5 generous sized scoops and shape into 3" burgers. Heat up a skillet with olive oil and cook burgers about 2 minutes on both sides.  Toast the buns and spread aioli sauce on top and bottom. Layer vegetables and cheese and top with a tuna burger. 

the chips pictured above are from this company. they are cholesterol free, no GMOs, gluten free and peanut free. they are made with a combination of beans, potatoes and rice flour (among other ingredients). i like the texture but it tasted sweeter than i was used to. it might be that it only has 125 mg of sodium per serving. but not bad. they have baked fries and cheese puffs as well which would be fun to try out.

i think black bean brownies has become my staple stress baking go-to. and finally got a shot of them from the bottom! it's so easy to make (i even managed to make it by mashing the beans w/ a fork b/c no one else in the house was awake at 4 and the vitamix would not be very nice) and even if i have a couple pieces i won't feel bad b/c it is so good for you! i tried decreasing the sugar and chocolate chips and increasing the amount of bananas. will let you know how it tastes (waiting until dinner for this goodness).

happy eating, try new things and have fun with recipes :)