Pocket Burgers

I often watch The Chew on ABC.  I always see things I want to try but most of the time I forget about them before I make my next menu.  This one stuck in my head.  It was an episode that had Mario Batali's kids cooking up some of their favorites.  The boys actually have their own cookbook called The Batali Brothers Cookbook.  This is not their exact recipe, but the same concept.  I used my family's favorite spices and stuffers to adjust to our taste.  I am sure that the original recipe is great too!  My father-in-law REALLY enjoyed these, he has already requested them again for the next cook out.  The burger was awesome alone, but the Onion Straws on top

Sorry for the lack of pictures, this was a two hands in raw meat kinda job.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Pounds of Ground Beef
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
•  A pinch of Crushed Red Pepper ( I crumble it between my fingers)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Your favorite toppings- lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, ketchup, mayonaise, mustard, BBQ Sauce. 

Stuffer Options

• Cooked Crumbled Bacon & Shredded Cheddar (my mother-in-laws favorite, she adds a little BBQ sauce on top)
• Sauted Onion & Blue Cheese Crumbles
• Sauted Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese
• Really you can add whatever you have on hand.  I am sure that my Bother-in-law will come up with some crazy combinations!

Divide the hamburger in to 5 equal parts.  Take one part at a time and divide that in half.

Flatten each of those parts put the stuffers in the center of one of the part and place the other on top.  Gently seal together the top and bottom with your fingers.  Repeat with all 5 of the burgers.  In a small bowl combine the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.  Sprinkle on both sides of all of the burgers.  Grill each side until they have reached desired temp.  

I also made Onion Straws with a horseradish dipping sauce.  Some of these went on the plate, Some went on my burger.  YUM!

This recipe was featured on our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu, Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on this month's menu!

Red Pepper Turkey Burger Sliders

I have used ground turkey for a variety of things including tacos, meat loaf, and meatballs.  The family favorite is turkey burgers.  Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef because the turkey is much better for you.  The mix in possibilities are endless.  I like to sneak a veggie or two in them.  My first choice is peppers, but those are not easily hidden because of their bright color.  Zucchini is also a great option.  

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Ground Turkey
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• Salt
• Pepper
• A handful or so of finely diced red bell pepper
• Red Onion
• Baby Spinach Leaves
• Whole Wheat Slider Buns

In a bowl combine ground turkey, egg,  Old Bay, and diced red pepper.

 Once well mixed form into  8 small patties.  Season patties with salt and pepper.

Lightly spray large skillet with cooking spray.  Place patties in skillet and cook for about 7 minutes on each side.  For last 3 minutes on the second side, add about 3 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover to allow the burgers to steam and cook fully.
Place patty on whole wheat slider bun and top with red onion and baby spinach.
I served with Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

This recipe was featured on the Marvelous May Menu, be sure to check out the rest of the May Menu.