I gave up caffeine for lent, but religious devotion wasn’t a motivating factor. Quite simply, who among us can get through the run up to Easter without some kind of mild deprivation?  I don’t know about you, but that’s how I was raised.

So, like the guilty, superstitious, non-practicing Catholic I am, I did it. I quit.  There were headaches, low-level Ike Turner-esque rages, and going to bed by 8pm.  But, I came out the other side.  Then, this morning, I drank two decaf coffees.  They couldn’t have been decaf though.  Two hours later and I feel like I’m at a rave?  I’m questioning this because I’ve never been to a rave.

Anyway, today I was going to write a review of “The Bad News Bears,” but I can’t.  I’m shaking, stuttering, and all I want to do is make faces in the mirror.

Here’s a tostone recipe.

Tostones

• 2 green plantains, peeled and cut into 12-14 even sized chunks
• 7 TBS avocado oil-or frying oil of your choice
• salt

1. Heat up a tablespoon of oil over medium-low heat and cook the plantain for 3-5 minutes per side.
2. Allow the tostones to cool a bit, then use a plate or tortilla press to flatten them into discs.
3. Heat two tablespoons of oil over-medium high heat, and add four or so tostones to the pan.
4. Fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until nice and golden.
5. Sprinkle with salt, and put on a paper towel lined plate while you make the others.
6. Repeat the process with remaining tostones.
7. I served mine with guacamole and prawns, but do whatever you want.  I don’t care.