Unpacking, family, black bean burgers, church and back to work

I am finally officially unpacked but still have couple items to organize. I now feel a bit more settled in. Friday was spent putting things away, cleaning the condo, running errands, a little cooking and some much needed time lying around. Saturday I went out to my cousin Toby’s home in the suburbs and spent the day with him, his wife Shelly, and their two daughters Alexa and Madison. It was great. I really enjoy spending time with them and it’s especially great cause Shelly is as much into health food as I am. We have some great visits. Toby and the kids aren’t quite as excited all the time nor do they get to excited when they hear her and I making dinner menu plans they have to try. BUT last night they really enjoyed what we put together. I have been wanting to try a good veggie burger for a long time so I found one in the Vegetarian Times magazine that turned out really good. Everyone really liked them. We served them with some baked sweet potato fries and it hit the spot. They didn’t hold together as well as I would have liked so I would have to experiment with them a bit more but would definitely make them again.
Here is the recipe if you are interested….

Black Bean and Walnut Burgers

Ingredient List
Serves 8
2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained well
2 tsp. ground cumin
3 tsp. chili powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup chopped red onion
3 Tbs. canned corn
1/3 cup cornmeal
guacamole, for topping
chunky salsa, for topping

Directions
Purée 2 1/2 cups beans with cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper until smooth. Add rice, walnuts, onion, corn and remaining beans, and pulse 2 or 3 times to mix. (Mixture should be stiff but not dry.) Add 2 to 3 Tbs. water to moisten, if necessary. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill, if making ahead.
Divide mixture into 8 burgers. Dredge burgers in cornmeal. Chill 30 minutes (unless mixture has been made earlier and chilled).
Coat nonstick pan or grill with cooking spray. Cook burgers over medium heat 4 minutes. Flip, and cook 4 minutes more, or until heated through.
Really recommend topping the burger with guacamole and salsa instead of your regular ketchup and mustard. Adding a little canned jalapeño to the mixture might be good as well. Enjoy!

This morning I went to my new church right before work. I really enjoy it there and hope to start getting in with the music program and helping lead the music. I really miss singing and need to get back into it again. God gave me the talent for a reason so I better start using it and look forward to it :) I felt a bit lonley today so I was so glad I had a place to go and feel loved and comforted even though I walked in alone. Afterward I went straight to work and before I knew it I was getting home around 8 tonight. It was soo busy and hectic but things are going great. Lots to do still and many "firsts" ly ahead but that's how it goes in a new job especially when it is one I am helping to create.