Yummy
Topic: Food
How often has it come up that you've been asked at the last minute to attend a potluck lunch, and you had nothing to bring? Sure, you can always buy a box of cookies, or some such thing, but that's kind of embarassing. It makes you feel like people are saying "Oh... we're not good enough to cook for, but they'll eat all the food we've gone to effort to prepare." In short, it makes one feel cheap.

The reverse of the coin is that with little to no warning, what can you do? Cost might be a problem, or preparing enough to go around.

Well, here's a simple solution. It fills the hors 'deouvre niche, which most people won't think about, and allows the attendees to snack on something light. It's also healthy, high in protein, and just might fit into a low-carb diet. It's called "Legume Paste," but don't let that throw you off. Here's how it's made:

You need about a half pound of lentils, a half pound of green beans, and a half pound of soy beans sprouts. Cook the lentils as you normally would, and allow them to cool. Steam the soy bean sprouts and green beans until tender, but still firm (about a minute and a half should do it). Allow all three ingredients to cool.
Place them in a food processor with a tablespoon of soy sauce or worcestershire sauce. Puree' this into a paste, and chill before serving.

That's it! It's done! Just make sure you place a small name card in front of it, and list the main ingredients, so people know how healthy it is, and won't be afraid to try it. You may have to abbreviate, and can leave out the word "beans" since it will be obvious. Usually, my card just says "Leg. Paste (Soy. Lent. Green.)" The abbreviation for the ingredients is pretty self explanatory, and what else could "Leg. Paste" mean, really? I like to add a little note at the bottom that says "You are what you eat!" just to show I'm concerned for others' well being, and remind them to make healthy eating choices.

And a little goes a long way! No matter how many people attend, I always have some left over when I bring it to a potluck! And I get such dismayed looks as I spread some on a whole-wheat cracker, or a slice of rye bread, or even lady fingers. They seem to be saying "I wish I had thought of that!" And it makes me glad that I've done something good for my fellow man.

What can I say? I love people!