As stated in yesterday’s post, Round 1 of Munch Madness is complete. Round 2 has begun! So today, an updated bracket

I am excited to get into a bit more intense voting as favorites are pitted against favorites. But what about those fallen heroes left behind? Do they not deserve my love?


Fear not, veggie lovers! I devote today to the homely vegetables abandoned in round 1. I give you some ideas for preparing, a recipe or two, and even a little gratuitous photo love.
                                                                                                                        
First off, I KNOW I’m not the only okra lover out there. You guys told me all about your love of the southern succulent, and so I give those new to this veg an easy in:


1. Buy some frozen cut okra
2. Heat/ steam until piping hot
3. Stir in cream cheese, mustard, or other sauce (this helps with the “acquired taste” of the goo…)
4. Salt and pepper.
5. Mmmmmm!

Next, we have green beans. I am perhaps most disappointed that they did not win, as I could truly eat them every day, and I have to admit I’m pretty meh on asparagus.
I remind you of my “Meri Christmas Salad,” to see if it will induce a few more green bean lovers!

Clearly.


And finally,  carrots. For those of you who don’t love these guys, I implore you to go all out and buy the organic rainbow carrots available once in awhile, roast them with stems still attached, and tell me carrots can’t be quite fancy and delicious!


Alternately, you can try Sonia’s carrot fry recipe that I have on my short list of recipes to attempt.


I’m not talking about kale because of the kale chip disaster, and I’m ignoring potatoes because I don’t really like them.
                                                                                    


And now, back to Charlie Sheen  the winners! Last night, we pitted team asparagus against team squash/zucchini. Who wins?
Asparagus, with a lead of 25-16. Better luck next time squash! I was rooting for you!


AND for the first fruit match of round 2, place your votes for:


Pineapple vs. “regular” apple


Who’s it gonna be? And who has some delicious way to prepare these loser veggies?


Meri