Another Turkey Burger Recipe

Yep, another turkey burger recipe. I found this paging through my daughters' recipe collection from school (I think these little collections have some of the best recipes out there--you never want to share something less than perfect with friends, right?!). It has cheese inside the burger again but adds bread crumbs to the mix. It's a great addition to the summer grilling rotation.

Italian Turkey Burgers

1 lb ground turkey (white, dark or mix of both)

1/4 C Italian bread crumbs

1/4 C gorgonzola cheese

Four multi grain buns

Preheat grill.

In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey and bread crumbs. Separate into 8 thin patties. On top of 4 patties, evenly divide gorgonzola in center of patty. Place remaining patties on top (like you are making sandwiches). Grill, turning once, until the cheese begins to ooze out. Let rest for five minutes on plate covered with aluminum foil.

Serve on multi-grain buns with favorite condiments (for a different twist, serve with a cranberry relish--compliments the gorgonzola).

Enjoy!

Tuesday Tip - Keeping the Grocery Bill Low

Is it just me or have you noticed the rather fast rise of grocery costs--bread is jumping almost a dollar higher in most areas, eggs are outrageous and produce, is well, insane.

The place I shop (Whole Foods) is knows for being a bit pricer than other stores, however I have always managed to spend about the same (and sometimes less) than my friends who shop at the mega low type super markets. These are the rules I follow to keep my prices in check.

1. Have a meal plan. Plan out breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner for everyday until your next shopping trip. Once you have figured out what you want to eat, go through your kitchen to determine what you need to buy (it also helps to plan meals that share same ingredients).

2. Create a detailed shopping list based on the sections of the store. To start, you might want to run through the store and write down the aisles you go through (example--I start in produce, then cheese, fish, oils, meat, tomato, etc.). Not only will this keep you focused and on task when you make your trip (keeping you from straying from the list), you will also get through the shopping trip much quicker.

3. When it comes to produce, stick to seasonal. Seasonal, local produce is not only healthier, it's also much cheaper. For spring, enjoy cheap organic strawberries and asparagus. Summer is melons, berries, and (in late summer) tomatoes. Fall is fall squash, apples and potatos. Winter is citrus and pomegranit. (Naturally, there is more than this. See here for more info.)

4. Stock up on sales when it comes to meat. If your family loves chicken, buy extra when it's on sale. It might not be on your list but it will keep in the freezer.

5. Make one night a week meatless. Beans are very cheap and can make a great meal. Try this one--I promise you'll love it!

6. Avoid the prepared foods. Yes, they are yummy but they are also very pricey. If you really want prepared foods (like me), limit yourself to one (and consider it a treat!).

7. Have a good meal before you start shopping--this is the best tip of all. If you go to the grocery store hungry, you will stray because everything looks good. if you are satisfied, you will stick to your list.

Hope this helps! If you have a tip for grocery shopping that helps you, please share!

French Toast with Berries

I love cooking breakfast. It is truly one of my favorite meals to cook (yes, I am a morning person). When summer hits, I love being able to slow down and cook a nice breakfast we can all enjoy together as a family. Our stand by is french toast--I cook it on a non-stick griddle to avoid having to coat the pan in butter. Please adjust the ingredients to your taste (some like theirs with more milk, some more egg) but please I beg you, use real maple syrup. The fake stuff is usually just high fructose corn syrup with artificial food coloring--a terrible way to start the day. You also do not need as much maple syrup as the fake stuff so a bottle will last much longer than you think!

*Note I love to double this recipe and save some for another morning. The bread keeps a few days in the refrigerator and you can also freeze it--be warned it is not as good as fresh but is very handy when you have a hectic morning.

French Toast with Berries

8 slices whole grain bread

5 eggs

1/2 C fat free milk

1 tbsp vanilla extract (the real thing :) )

1 tsp cinnamon

Fresh seasonal fruit (strawberries are perfect for now)

Real maple syrup

Preheat your griddle. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and slowly pour in milk while whisking. Once combined, whisk in vanilla and cinnamon.

Submerge bread slice by slice and, using your fingers, push off excess. Place on griddle and turn once bottom side is slightly brown. The second side cooks quicker. Once it is slightly brown, remove from griddle.

Top with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Grilled Copper River Salmon

As promised--SALMON! The Copper River season has begun and I can think of no better way to celebrate than with incredibly easy recipe. At the very moment, Copper River Salmon is very pricey so try to hold off for 1-2 weeks when the price will drop (right now it is going for $37.99 lb at Whole Foods--I will be waiting!). Copper River is the best wild fish available according to me anyway--it is only available fresh from mid May to June.

* Note--I am not going to give a solid time for completion--this will depend on the thickness of the fish and the type of grill used. You want the fish to flake when done.

Grilled Copper River Salmon

1 lb Copper River Salmon, skin removed (it's just easier this way--if you have the patience and time, you can leave the skin on)

salt and pepper

lemon wedges

 If you have cedar plank, soak in water and place on grill over medium high heat, if using gas-- if using charcoal, avoid plank but add chips to the coals. If you are not using a plank, lightly oil grill with olive oil before turning it on (you can also wrap fish in oiled  aluminum foil but this can be very tricky to see if the fish is done).

Place fish on grill and turn once. Watch for when it becomes opaque--this is about 8-10 minutes. Take the fish off the grill and see if flakes easily when you touch it with a fork. If it feels 'raw', put it back on the grill a bit longer. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with lemon wedges.

Grilled Asparagus

Spring is THE time for asparagus. It's fresh and not too expensive. Take advantage and add asparagus to your next BBQ with this very simple recipe.

Grilled Asparagus

1 lb asparagus

2 tbsp olive oil (you can also use truffle oil if you are lucky enough to have it!)

Salt and Pepper

Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus (just bend and it will naturally break where it needs to).

Grill, dry for 4-8 minutes, turning halfway through--you should have lovely char marks.

Take off grill, drizzle with oil, salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Fruit Smoothies

This is something I make at least 4-5 times a week during the summer. It is a perfect snack for kids that have been out in the sun--healthy fruit, yogurt and cool.
I always use frozen fruit because it is cheaper and you don't need to add ice. If I am feeling fancy, I do add a slice of fresh fruit as a garnish but that's usually only for company :) All ingredients are fairly cheap so do yourself and your kids a favor and go organic for all of it, if possible!
Following are a few variations. For an extra boost, add protein or vitamin powder.

The Tropical Fruit Smoothie was created by my older daughter with zero input from me.

* Be sure to add the liquid in your blender first for easy blending.

Berry Fun Smoothie

1 C fat free milk (or soy)
1/2 C frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
1/4 C plain yogurt
Squirt of honey

Blend and serve.

Acai Boost Smoothie 

1 C juice (your choice)
1 packet frozen Acai (super rich antioxident fruit from South America)

1 banana (peeled of course)

Blend and serve.

The Elvis Smoothie

1 C fat free milk (or soy)

2 scoops peanut butter (smooth)

1/4 C plain yogurt

1 banana

Squirt of honey

Blend and serve.

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

(bit thicker than the rest)

1/2 c juice (your choice--orange or other citrus preferred)

1/2 C frozen mangos

1/2 C frozen blueberries

1/4 C plain yogurt

Squirt of honey

Blend and serve.