Turkey Burger with Portabellos and Blue Cheese

it’s impossible to go all winter without grilling.  there’s just something about it that is irresistible. so when you grill in the winter you want to go all out, and this recipe is perfect. a juicy turkey burger topped with sauted portobello mushrooms, slathered in creamy blue cheese dressing all on a toasted kaiser roll. so find your spatula and get to it…

Turkey Burger with Portobellos and Blue Cheese
4 tbs olive oil
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 portabello mushroom, sliced
3 tbs blue cheese dressing
1 tbs chives, chopped
1 kaiser roll, toasted
salt and pepper

heat two saute pans with oil over medium heat. shape the ground turkey into a patty and season with salt and  pepper to taste.  once the pans are hot place the mushrooms in one and the burger in the other.  the mushrooms need to cook for a couple minutes before you season.  let the burger cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until done.  while the burger is cooking mix the chives into the blue cheese.  now time to assemble. place the patty on the bun, top with mushrooms, and spread the top of the bun with the dressing before placing on top.

tips

• if you don’t have enough blue cheese dressing, you can stretch it by adding sour cream.
• if you don’t have chives, try shallots because you’re going for a subtle onion flavor.
• i made this recipe from things i had in my refrigerator.  i challenge you to do the same and see what types of recipes you can come up.

Turkey Meatloaf

i’ve tasted some of the finest food on this earth: filet mignon, caviar, lobster, etc.  but then there are times when my taste buds crave food on the opposite end of the culinary spectrum.  like yesterday when i had to buy a salisbury steak lean cuisine…and i can’t explain it.  there’s a flavor there that takes you back to middle school lunches, that for one reason or another will never be lost in my memory.  this meatloaf also has a special place in my heart.  maybe because i remember smelling it cook in the oven while the sun was setting at 4 o’clock.  it didn’t matter how cold and dark it was outside because it was warm and bright in our kitchen.  these days i make it for my family while the snow is piling up here in new england.

Turkey Meatloaf
1½ pounds ground turkey
⅓ cup chopped red pepper
1 egg, beaten
⅔ cup onion, diced
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup bread crumbs
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt

preheat oven to 375°.  mix all ingredients together in a bowl and pour into a greased loaf pan.  bake for 45-50 minutes.

tips

• thyme would also work in this meatloaf in place of basil.
• worcestershire sauce is a liquid mixture with ingredients such as anchovies, molasses, garlic, vinegar, chilies, cloves, shallots, and sugar.  worcestershire sauce is an ingredient in casear dressing.
• don’t have ketchup? try tomato sauce with a touch of sugar and vinegar.