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Yummy Fixins: Tasty turkey burgers for the perfect Tahoe weekend (recipe)

Arica Davis
Yummy Fixins

More often than not, healthy food alternatives just don’t taste as good as the original. This dish, however, is an exception. Smoked Gouda, maple Dijon and caramelized onions meld together to create a flavor that rivals that of traditional beef.

If you’re cutting carbs, skip the bun and serve the patty atop a bed of mixed greens instead. Turn the maple Dijon spread into a dressing by mixing the spread with balsamic vinegar and a bit of olive oil.

Make the recipe vegetarian by substituting the turkey patty for a roasted portobello mushroom. In any case, this is one tasty burger recipe.



Turkey Burgers with Maple Dijon & Caramelized Onions



Makes four to six burgers.

Burger patties

1 shallot, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 granny smith apple, grated

2 tablespoons bread crumbs

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon thyme

1.2 pounds ground turkey

Burger fixins

4-6 burger buns

8 ounces smoked Gouda, sliced

Mixed greens or spinach

Maple Dijon spread

½ cup Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons maple syrup

Caramelized onions

2 onions, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

¼ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

Start with the spread. Stir the mustard and syrup together with a fork until combined and set aside.

Mix all patty ingredients together in a bowl. Using your hands, form the mixture into four to six patties slightly larger than the palm of your hand. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. While the flavors are developing, caramelize the onions.

Peel the onion and cut in half width-wise. Place both halves of the onion flat side down and slice into ¼ inch half-rings. Heat the oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature. Add the onions to the oil and stir until coated with oil. Cook the onions for five minutes or until they soften, then add the salt and sugar. Cook the onions for 20 more minutes, stirring frequently so that they don’t burn. Once the onions are soft and browned, remove them from the heat and set aside.

When you are ready to cook the patties, coat a skillet with olive oil and bring to a medium-high heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for six minutes on each side. If adding cheese, place the Gouda slices on top of the patties and cook for one more minute, until the cheese is slightly melted. Remove patties from the skillet.

Separate the buns and toast by placing the tops and bottoms on the skillet flat-side down for 15 seconds. Compile the burger by spreading the maple Dijon lightly on both the top and bottom bun, put a few greens on the bottom bun, place a patty on top of the greens, add the caramelized onions to the top of the patty, and then add the top bun. Serve warm and enjoy!

Chef Arica Davis is owner/operator of Yummy Fixins, Personal Chef Services and Pasta Parties. Visit http://www.yummyfixins.com to book your next dinner party.


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