16 - Joyce's Aubergine Burger

It has been fourteen years since I had my first veggie burger. I was seventeen when I announced to my family my decision to become a vegetarian, and my mom took to it surprisingly well. She got me into the kitchen and taught me how to cook for myself and pretty soon I was helping her prepare delicious stews and dishes that were enjoyed by me (the only vegetarian in the house) and the rest of the family. But, my favorite treat were my mom's aubergine burgers.
Burger night at the Moreno Denton's had always been a special time; friends of the family clamored after the legendary burgers. My mom didn't want me to be left out after I became a vegetarian. So, she came up with this idea to make me burgers out of eggplants. And that is how my love of veggie burgers was born.
Tonight we invited a very special guest into our home, and we made Joyce's Aubergine Burgers, and they were as delicious as I remember them. Only now they enjoy the added benefit of nostalgia. Eating that burger tonight took me back to home in Mexico, to living under my parents' roof and sharing meals at the family table. I am so fortunate to have parents who have always loved and cheered me on, from bleaching and dying my hair pink to turning vegetarian and everything in between. If ever I doubted the sentimental qualities of food, tonight I was convinced otherwise.
Joyce's Aubergine Burger will always be my favorite veggie burger, not only because it absolutely rocks, but because of the history, love and emotion it carries. Cheers and happy veggie burgers.