New Project...

I could barely contain my excitement when I picked up my very first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) bag yesterday evening... and can you blame me? Look at all the goodies I got for just $20!

(Clockwise from left)
Purple Hull Peas
White Hakurei Turnips
Bag of asian greens
Cucumbers
Baby Summer Squash
Yellow Peppers
Purple Eggplant
White Eggplant

To be honest, I've never worked with peas, turnips, or asian greens, so this will be an adventure! I will be getting one of these each week for the next 9 weeks and I plan to make some exciting new dishes with these exciting new ingredients! And please... if you have any suggestions, let me know! (Purple Hull Pea recipes anyone??)

Last night I did use those precious little summer squash on a yummy pasta dish. I just sauteed them with some shallots and added some (homemade) frozen pesto. Then I boiled some penne pasta and tossed it all together. I knew I could get Mr. Smith to eat squash! All I had to do was disguise it in pesto and pasta... two of his favorites!

So- keep checking back for the next 9 weeks for recipes (and, I'm sure, some epic recipe failures)!

~ Mari

P.S. If you're in the Macon/Warner Robins area, here is the website for the CSA baskets.

Cheddar & Pepper Turkey Burgers

I love turkey burgers because they are much better for you than most other burgers, but they can sometimes be dry and flavorless. So, I consulted my healthy-cooking bible (Ellie Krieger's "The Food You Crave") and adapted a recipe of hers for stuffed turkey burgers.

Here is what I came up with:

Cheddar & Pepper Turkey Burgers

1 lb. 85/15 ground turkey
1 lb. 99% fat free ground turkey
3/4 cup chopped roasted red or yellow peppers
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 Tbsp. garlic salt
1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 large egg

Preheat the broiler to high (or prepare the grill if it isn't cold and rainy outside like it is here!). In a large bowl, combine all ingredients with your hands. Divide the mixture into 10 patties (about 3-4 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick). Wrap the extra patties in plastic wrap and freeze. Put four (or however many you want to make) patties on a sheet pan (one with a lip on the side) and broil for 10-12 minutes (or until they are browned and the internal temperature is at 165 degrees F). Remove from the oven and cool.



- the spices & peppers -



- ready to be divided into patties! -

- yummy! -

- the finished product -
 (on *homemade* buns - aren't I impressive? hah!)

I hope you enjoy these moist and delicious burgers as much as Ryan and I did! :)

~ Mari