White day

March 14th is white day here in both Korea and Japan.  What is white day? It's a further continuation of Valentines day.  You see, Korea doesn't think Valentines goes far enough.  One day to celebrate "LOVE" is insufficient.  Therefore, it is necessary to have not one extra day, but two extra days; white day and black day.  In Korea, Valentines day isn't exactly the same as inside the USA.  In the US, a typical couple might buy chocolates, flowers, expensive presents and go out on a date.  In Korea, girls are supposed to give their boyfriends chocolates on Valentines, and it is common to rent (for only a few hours) a love motel.  We have discussed love motels in past posts.  They affectionately were bestowed with this name for their almost sole purpose of "encouraging love" that might not otherwise happen as almost all unmarried individuals live with their parents until their marriage. Dates also occur, but it's not like in the US where every romantic restaurant is laden with doe eyed love birds.  March 14th, white day,  is essentially the other half of Valentines.  It's the day when the boyfriend gives his girlfriend a present- typically just candy- although that trend is changing.  Black day on the other hand is April 14- singles day. This could be considered a national revenge of the unromantized population.  Single friends celebrate their singledom and freedom by going out to dinner to partake in a black sauce and noodle dish.  Some might claim that it is to celebrate the love of friends, but in reality, no one in Korea ever wants to be single, at least the ladies.
Kyle and I meant to do something for Valentines day, but we didn't get around to it this year. So for white day, we made a lentil meatloaf- I will include a recipe at the bottom, and had a double date with another couple who lives in our building.  It was lovely.  Going out on dates takes a LOT of effort in a foreign country so it's nice to have other couples around to double date with.

Here is the recipe:

We made some changes however-
two eggs instead of one
We added real garlic, mushrooms, and kidney beans
only 1/3 cup oats as ours weren't quick cooking.
And Viola- delicious meal- even the carnivores agreed!

Really Good Vegetarian Meatloaf (Really!)

By SaraFish on July 11, 2002

Photo by Veggie Girl Kacey

260 Reviews

• 
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs
• Servings: 4-6

About This Recipe

"High in fiber and protein, low in fat, easy and really yummy! I've always think meatloaf looks and smells so delicious and savory so, as a vegetarian, I decided to make a no-meat version! This is basically our favorite meatloaf recipe but with cooked mashed lentils instead of ground meat. The result is a very tasty dinner!"

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small onions, diced
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup grated cheese ( cheddar, swiss, jack or american)
• 1 eggs, beaten
• 4 1/2 ounces spaghetti sauce ( or 4.5 ounces tomato sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Add salt to water and boil in a saucepan.
2. Add lentils and simmer covered 25-30 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is evaporated.
3. Remove from fire.
4. Drain and partially mash lentils.
5. Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
6. Stir in onion, oats and cheese until mixed.
7. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt and pepper.
8. Mix well.

Page 2 of 2Really Good Vegetarian Meatloaf (Really!) (cont.)

Directions (cont.)

9. Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam (non-stick cooking spray) or well-greased.
10. Smooth top with back of spoon.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.
12. Cool in pan on rack for about 10 minutes.
13. Run a sharp knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto serving platter.