Fantastic Falafels.

I've delved into the world of falafel making. I in no way claim to be a falafel expert, and I'm quite sure that they are normally made into little meatball-sized balls, but I prefer them as a patty (like a hamburger). Regardless of how they are made, this recipe is most definitely a keeper, and since I made them the first time a few weeks ago, Rob has since then requested them (a rarity that my husband asks me to repeat a recipe I found online). So this time I decided to take some pictures and share some falafelly goodness with my readers.

This is the extent of the ingredients (minus the plethora of spices).
*Note my new glass bowls that I got from my cousin as a lovely Mother's Day gift. A 25 piece set of bowls and lids from Costco for $23.99! I love it!

I doubled the recipe. You mash up the chickpeas, which is a challenge when you discover that your husband decided to use the potato masher for some random project in the basement. I had to get down and dirty and use my hands.
Once all the ingredients are mixed, I shaped them into patties. I got 10 patties when I doubled the recipe. And while the recipe calls for you to deep fry them, I do not, nor will I ever, own a deep-fryer, I just put a good coating of canola oil on the bottom of my pan.
Enough with the pictures, here is the recipe.
Jeanie's Falafel (from allrecipes.com)

1 (19 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinse & drained
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 C. fine dry bread crumbs
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 quart vegetable oil

1. Mash the garbanzo beans in a large bowl. Stir in the onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, turmeric, baking powder, bread crumbs, salt & pepper. Shape the mixture into 1.5" balls (you should get 18 to 24). Or 6 patties.
2. Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 375° F. Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil, and fry until brown. If you do not have a deep fryer, heat the oil in a heavy deep skillet over med-high heat. You may need to adjust the heat after the first few falafels. Turn often so they brown evenly.

*Some Holly notes. I didn't have turmeric. And I didn't use as many bread crumbs as I should have this time, so mine look a bit crumbly. Regardless, still stinkin' delicious. We eat them in pitas. I put a little bit of low-fat ranch dressing in there. Some lettuce. Tomatoes. Sprouts. Yummo!

Behold, falafelly goodness...
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In other Nepper news I thought I would get your opinion on something. OK, I'll admit it, I'm a dumpster diver. Shocking I know! Now let me clarify. I don't literally jump in the bins, but I will often do a drive-by. Behind the mall across the street they have a recycling drop off, and apparently people feel this is a totally appropriate place to dump numerous, random household goods. From old building materials, to microwaves, to clothing, to a crib, to highchairs, etc, etc.

So with my savvy dumpster diving skills I've scored a crib. Not like I need a crib, but I listed it on kijiji and gave it away. If it isn't gone by the time the recycling guys get there it goes to the dump. I scored two perfectly fine IKEA highchairs which I sold on kijiji for $15. I found a mint condition Running Room jacket and sold it for $20. Seriously people!?! I'm always shocked by the stuff people drop off there.

So when I spied this beauty, I had to pull over. Or at least I thought.
Its true. I'm drawn by sparkly things. Shine some silver in front of me and I will come running. Show me the glint of a diamond and I will likely drool. So a lamp smothered in sparkly goodness is sure to attract me. So I proudly walked in the house with it and Rob immediately said, "Why?" As you can well imagine my husband isn't totally impressed with my dumpster diving tendencies. Although when I make money off of it, I do see a glimmer of pride in his eye. That is until I come home with the next pile of junk...oops, I mean treasures!

So are you with Rob? Is the lamp the height of hideous? Have I lost my edge?