meat-a-palooza

That's right folks...I attended my first ever all meat soiree.  There were ribs, there were wings and there were shrimp all cooked on the grill in weather that would scare the even the most nordic of folk!  Hosted by a our friends Julia and Eric, they filled their house with a crew of meat lovin', hearty eatin', happy folk that consumed probably what would amount to a good sized cow!  The beer stayed chilled in the snow bank outside while we were all rosy cheeked and toasty inside.  Dave Mac and I being the only two veggies at the feast, quietly slipped to the corner of the kitchen to fry up some homemade black bean burgers I had made that morning, which, were quite tasty! The party was a hit and the next one already planned:  Dessert and Champagne...so get ready folks, this is my turf!

 Black Bean Burger (courtesy of Gourmet)

2 (14 oz cans) black beans - rinsed, divided

3Tbs Mayo....but I used Dijon Mustard and it worked really well..adding a little kick!

1/3 cup plain bread crumbs

2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. cayenne (which i omitted....capsaicin allergy...)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

• Puree one can beans with mayo (or mustard), bread crumbs, cumin, oregano and cayenne until a course puree forms.
  
• Transfer to bowl, stir in remaining beans and cilantro.
• Form into 4 patties.
• Heat 3 Tbs. oil in skillet until it shimmers, cook burgers until outside is crisp and lightly browned. ... about 5 min. ...and Enjoy on bun of your choice.