Monday, November 1, 2010

Turkey and Dressing Burgers


I have a few things worth mentioning before I get to these insanely delicious burgers...

Its November, which means its NaBloPoMo.  For the unfamiliar, that is National Blog Posting Month.  The idea is to write a post every single day for.. wait for it... a month!  I hemmed and hawed about participating, but I ultimately decided to just go for it.  I have tons of great recipes to share, and hopefully some interesting comments or stories to share as well.  

And now that Halloween is over, its time to start prepping for Thanksgiving!  If you are like me and love eating the flavors of Thanksgiving more than once a year, then I have some great recipes for you.  Between now and Thanksgiving, I'll be posting several recipes for meals that are "Thanksgiving-like" in flavors, ingredients, etc, but aren't your traditional turkey, dressing, and green beans.  You might also find some recipes that are perfect for leftovers.

Take these burgers for example.  The official title is Grilled Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Relish, but I didn't feel like that adequately described them.  As I made them, I thought that the spices and flavors were reminiscent of dressing (or stuffing if you aren't from the south).  Then I took a bite, and I was shocked by how much the burger captures the essence of it.  I literally felt like I was eating turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce.  To me, the perfect bite of Thanksgiving dinner is a little turkey, a little dressing, and a little cranberry sauce.  When I ate these burgers, every bite was that elusive perfect bite. 

So whether you are looking to get into the Thanksgiving spirit a little early, you want the flavors of Thanksgiving without all the work, or if you have a hankering for turkey and dressing in July,  give these burgers a try. 

One Year Ago:  Lighter Chicken and Dumplings


Turkey and Dressing Burgers with Cranberry Relish
adapted from Williams-Sonoma
makes 4 burgers
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • zest of 1/2 orange
  • juice of 1/2 orange
  • 2 Tbs prepared horseradish
  • pinch of ground cinnamon
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbs unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 cup day-old small cornbread cubes
  • 2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
  • 1Tbs chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 Tbs chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4 sandwich rolls
In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, horseradish, cinnamon, cloves, and salt and pepper to taste.  Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving, or refrigerate up to 24 hours.

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the celery and onion, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, cornbread, parsley, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, cornbread cubes, egg, the celery and onion, and salt and pepper.  Lightly combine using a fork. 

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, and shape into patties.

Prepare grill over medium-high heat.  Grill burgers 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through completely.  Lightly toast the buns, and serve the burgers with cranberry relish.


3 comments:

Mika said...

That looks awesome! I can't wait to give it a try! Happy Thanksgiving!!

the blissful baker said...

i do not eat regular beef burgers, but i'd definitely give these a try. they look delicious!

Eliana said...

Hmmmm - this burger looks super super delish!

Post a Comment

 
BLOG DESIGN BY: SHERBET BLOSSOM DESIGNS