Expecting possible an amusing post about "Wookie Cookies" (don't ask) I was instead treated to a very cool recipe, and delicious-looking photography, for Bajoran Hasperat, a perennial favorite at our own Intergalactic FoodFest.

Photo courtesy http://veganyumyum.com/

It's essentially a tortilla spread with hummus, vegetables, and some hot and sour flavor (in the form of rice vinegar and tabasco) Adjust the heat to your preference, of course. Original post and recipe are at: http://veganyumyum.com/2008/02/hasperat/.

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I realize I'm linking to a vegan Web site, which according to some people on our ship, can lead to insanity and/or death. But c'mon, that hasperat looks DELICIOUS!

Our crew (except for Valentino!) wishes everyone a happy St. Pat's! Unfortunately we will NOT be marching in the Seaside Heights Parade this year, but if you're interested in going down to the parade yourself, it's Sat., 3/15 at 12 noon, on the Boulevard at Seaside Heights. For more info, go to the their Web site. Or stay indoors, drink your own weight in Shamrock Shakes, and watch the New York parade on TV. It's your choice!

Members of the USS Avenger, USS Britannic, USS Sovereign and the future USS Odin came together with a variety of creative food and beverages. You could slurp down some fresh "Slurm" a galactic drink from Futurama, and chow down on Doomsday Machine Donuts.

There were entrees and loads of sweet deserts. No one went away hungry. We had close to 30 people turn up this year, and we had the added fun of watching those donuts pop down from the "Doomsday Donut" Machine owned by Challenger's XO and Sci Chief Jeff and Laura Victor.

CO and XO Adm. Bob Vosseller and Capt. Jeff Victor sported chef hats complete with ST emblems and there were a variety of uniforms worn by Avenger XO Todd Brugmans who went classic, Britannic CO Capt. Wayne Augustson was in his ST: First Contact uniform, and a certain SF Admiral wore his Picard smoking jacket.

Sovereign member Joe Horton known as the R7 and SFI's honorary Intergalactic Chef brought his cool portable grill and cooked up a number of things. He got some help from his shipmates. Avenger members traveled south with a variety of intergalactic goodies ranging from key lime pie to a special casserole.

You couldn't keep up with all the food, we all just made gluttons of ourselves and kept shoveling it in. There were loads of conversations and good times were had by all. This year the Challenger pushed back the Intergalactic Food Festival (which we believe to be in its 15th year of our 20 year old chapter) to the month of March, wishing to avoid a clash with the Super Bowl. Not that the Super Bowl really conflicts with attendance, but we just thought we would try a new month since February is packed with activities like Farpoint and the annual New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge.

Speaking of the Plunge, it seemed only appropriate that a certain food based super hero who took on the cold elements of the Atlantic Ocean just a week prior, would make an appearance at the food festival. Capt. Cornfusion who bore a striking resemblance to Adm. Vosseller came out from the shadows and proclaimed the occasion safe from evil doers, and said he fought for truth, justice and urging children to eat their vegetables. Unfortunately, Soup Man (Challenger Flt. Capt. David Singleton) and Bunny Man (Avenger Patrick Barnes) were battling crime elsewhere.

All Challengers present wish to thank everyone who attended the event, and who also contributed to Project Replicator, which is a canned food collection for our area food pantry. The event served up a great time and wonderful food, and also provided food for those who are in need of support. That is another part of this annual special event.

As for what is on the menu next year, who can say but this year will be hard to top!

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