Asian Turkey Burgers

Time to refill the propane tanks, pull the BBQ out of storage, clean it and start grilling.  Last weekend I had some friends over and had one of the first of many backyard evenings and tried a new burger recipe.  It was fantastic.  Give it a go, the consensus was this recipe would work equally well with lamb!  Wine suggestion... Riesling... maybe from Alsace.

For the Burger, 4 burgers
1 garlic clove, smashed
1" piece of ginger finely chopped
1 lb ground turkey (chicken or lamb)

1/4 cup each FRESH chopped cilantro, mint and basil

1 cup panko crumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp lime juice
salt and pepper
Tabasco if desired
4 burger buns, toasted

Mix all ingredient together, divide into 4 and form into a burger patties.  BBQ until fully cooked, juices run clear.  Serve on a toasted bun with picked cucumbers and wasbi mayo.  Recipes to follow.

Picked Cucumbers
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
1 long English cucumber, sliced

Mix first 3 ingredients, pour over cucumbers and marinate 30 mins to 4 hours.  Serve in burgers

Wasabi Mayo
1 cup mayo
1 tsp wasabi paste, or to taste

The Ultimate Burger Toppings

The smell of a burger or a steak on a bbq is a sure thing that summer is here. How often do you start salivating as you are walking down the street and can smell someones bbq in the distance. Most of us can do a basic burger but here are some great toppings to dress up your burgers.

First off the patty choices:

beef, lamb, turkey, chicken (ground in a patty or breast), veggie patty or portabello mushroom

Now for the toppings....

Pancetta, caramelized onions and blue cheese
Gruyere, mushroom and a red pepper aioli
Bacon, Swiss, tomato and guacamole (or sliced avocado)
Spinach, red onion and a black olive tapenade
Provolone, tomato and chipolte pepper sauce
Sauteed mushrooms, sharp cheddar and bacon
Chevre, roasted peppers and spinach with a garlic mayo
Brie, mango chutney and a curried mayo

There are so many options. At home I like to serve the mini burgers or also known as sliders with a great selection of toppings and condiments. That way you can try a few different ideas without having to commitment to one taste.

For the side dishes, try the blue cheese potato, maybe some mixed greens (add some diced cucumbers, red peppers, pumpkin seeds and feta with a balsamic vinaigrette) and some corn on the cob with a fresh herb butter.

For wine try the Quails Gate rose from the Okanagon at $12.99 it is a great deal and will be a true crowd pleaser.

Now you have a great evening planned.