homemade veggie burgers

These burgers were one of the easiest things to make.  The above pictures show pretty much all the ingredients involved.  

I'd imagine that these burgers are a pretty good base for pretty much any combinations of flavors, I was tempted to use curry instead of cumin, but I've been on a curry kick lately so I am trying not to over do it. 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burgers

makes about 8 patties

1.5 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed

2 medium sweet potatoes, baked 

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tsp maple syrup

1/4 cup flour

breadcrumbs

Oven to 375.  

1. Pierce sweet potatoes several times and bake for 45 minutes, or until tender.  Once baked, scoop the flesh out and put into a mixing bowl.  

2. Add the black beans to the sweet potato and mash them together, leaving slightly chunky.  

3.  Mix in cumin, cayenne, cilantro, maple syrup, and flour.  Mix together well so that all the ingredients get distributed throughout. 

4.  Form into patties, coat with breadcrumbs.

5.  If eating immediately, heat oil in a small pan.  Place patty in and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until golden brown.  If not enjoying immediately, freeze patties for later.

6.  Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

good morning

A few photos.  I've noticed that since the start of the new year I've barely touched my camera, and when I have it's been for some pretty uninspired photos.  I'm not sure what it is all about.  I am currently taking a photography class and it has had quite the opposite effect on me, instead of getting me out to shoot more and inspiring me it seems it has crushed all desire to shoot.  Upcoming weekends away and some new opportunities will hopefully get me back in to it. 

Farm

This past week has been full of relaxing, family, and friends.  Having an entire week off from work has been quite enjoyable.  On Thursday my good friend Erica's boyfriend, Matt, welcomed us on his farm and took us on a tour.  His family owns a dairy farm in southeastern Connecticut where many cows, goats, and a few horses reside.  Here are some snapshots from the afternoon.  As I was first going through them, I didn't really love any of them, but converting them to black and white and editing them that way really did it for me.  I don't know what it is, since upgrading my camera I've found that black and white has been much more appealing to me than it has in the past.  It really allows the viewer to focus on the content and composition of an image rather than to be distracted by the vibrant colors, which I have yet to master the controlling the color on my new camera.

Enjoy, and Happy New Years!

Matt, whose family owns the farm

Christmas Calf, just under a week old

One of the goats

Fonzey, the friendliest goat

A young cow

In the barn

Feeding time

One of four horses on the farm