Support local music by feeding them.

I have never been any kind of musically inclined. I tried to learn drums once, only to realize that I was, in fact, born without rhythm. It's fine though, because even since moving back to Northampton, I have found myself SURROUNDED by musicians. In a conversation with Mac once, I feel like I adequately described the sheer number of bands in town as "Stray dogs on the street. Take them home and feed them, and they're yours".

A few days ago, my two roommates new band, Johnny Mondegreen (word of the day kiddies, Mondegreen means a misheard lyrics, such as "Excuse me while I kiss this guy") had their first ever show scheduled. In honor of this momentous occasion, we decided to make dinner for the band. Because really, musicians just rock harder with full bellies. Mac and I surveyed our respective kitchens and listed what ingredients we had, and came up with a meal based on that.

This is an IMPORTANT Stoned Soup skill to learn: making something out of nothing. Don't feel like driving to the store? Too broke to even drive to the store? Open your cupboards, your refrigerator, your freezer, and make a list of the things you have. Chances are a pattern will emerge, like "Oh, I have 2 different kinds of pasta, 3 half empty bags of various cheeses, stale french bread, and canned tomatoes." and POOF! You're halfway towards eating a wonderful Baked Macaroni and Cheese dinner. All without leaving the warmth and comfort of your own home.

After making our mental food lists, and seeing that together we both had black beans, half a green and red pepper, some onions, rice, and cheese, we decided on burritos. Only a few things needed to be bought to finish off the concoction. And pretty soon, we were eating Breaded and Spiced Tofu Burritos.

This tofu recipe is an SS Club favorite, because it makes the tofu taste a LOT like chicken. I have used the tofu in lasagnas, pad thai, you name it, it works. It's quick and easy, and will have you pretty stoked about eating tofu.

Breaded and Spiced Tofu-

You will need:
A 16oz package of extra firm tofu (if you can find the extra firm tofu that's already cubed, even better)
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Prepare the vegetable broth. Drain the tofu, cut into tiny cubes (say, 1/2 inch) and soak in broth.
2. Find 2 bowls that are relatively the same size. In one bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.
3. After tofu has soaked for around 10 minutes, drain the broth.
4. Add the tofu to the dry ingredients. Use the empty bowl as a cover, and toss the tofu, so as to completely cover it in breading.
5. Heat oil in a frying pan, and fry tofu until brown on all sides.

As for the rest of the burrito, I am sure you have all made these at least once in your life, so I don't need to tell you how to do the rest. Although I do have a suggestion for making it taste that much better. Fry your peppers and onions in a pan, and then add the black beans. Add some salsa to the pan as well (the leftover Tomato-Chipotle sauce worked GREAT) and heat everything thoroughly. By cooking everything together, it will have a much better taste. Get your tortillas nice and warm, dollop the beans/vegetables on with some rice, guacamole, and cheese, and you have one hell of a burrito on your hands.

The band was very appreciative. Especially when their 2 biggest fans waited until 1am to hear them play 3 songs, even though they both had work VERY early the next morning. But who cares? Drag yourself through your day, take a nap when you get home, and do it all over again. That's what life is all about.

-Nikki