Summertime Burgers with Sauteed Mushrooms

It's summertime, which means backyards (YEA! We finally have one!), barbecues, and beers.  Everyone has their own variations of the burger.  Some like those uber huge burgers, loaded with everything but the kitchen sink.  I on the other hand, do not.  I like a simple, healthy burger, that's full of flavor, and can easily be made in 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 lb. All natural, organic ground beef (90%/10%)  

3/4 cup chopped onions

1 egg (organic)

1/4 cup bread crumbs (I actually used just a smidgen more)

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano 

1 package fresh mushrooms - stems and pieces

1 tbsp. minced garlic

1 tbsp. olive oil

100 calorie whole wheat pits

guacamole

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, egg, bread crumbs, and spices.  Use your hands to mix until combined.  Break the mixture into four patties and wrap individually in tin foil until ready to cook.  (These will still be great to cook the next day as left-overs!)

To cook burgers:

Heat a pan on medium-high and coat with cooking spray.  Cook the burgers for about 5-7 minutes a side, with the cover on the pan.  Use a meat thermometer to test the inside (who likes over-cooked burgers anyways?!?!).

While the burgers are cooking, heat a small pan on medium heat.  Add 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. minced garlic.  Once hot, add in the mushrooms to saute.  These will take about 7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are mostly brown... be sure to stir often.

Toast pitas, if desired.

Build your burger... bottom bun, burger, Wholly Guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, top bun.

Be sure to pair with your favorite beer.  Lately I'm loving Magic Hat Elder Better.

What's your favorite burger topping?  What are other healthy ways you have prepared this summer essential?

~Eat Well and Be Happy~

Apples, Onions, and Pork

On a beautiful fall afternoon, C. (the boyfriend) and I thought it was very appropriate to go apple-picking.  I mean what could be better on a fall day than being outside, walking through orchards, picking apples, and having apple cider donuts!  We did our research and found one in Natick, called Belkin Family Lookout Farm.  Perfect I thought, what a great spot to spend the day.  Over $50 later... we felt like our apple picking experience was the biggest scam ever!!



While it was still a beautiful place, and we had a great day, it was $14 PER PERSON just to enter, and then $2.50 a pound for your fruit.  We got about 25-30 pieces of fruit, and paid $25 for just the fruit! I think what made me so upset was there wasn't even any apple cider donuts!! Those are like my once a year treat that I always look so forward too.




So with the apples we did pick, I made a delicious dinner.  Plus, as a fun evening activity we made an apple pie together! Yes, I actually shared the kitchen and we made it together.

Ingredients:

Glaze:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1-2 apples, sliced

1/2 onion, sliced

pork (fat trimmed)

sea salt

minced garlic

olive oil

Steps:

1) Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

2) Make the glaze... add the syrup and balsamic to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Continue to stir for about 3-4 minutes.  Remove the pan from heat and set to the side.

3)  Drizzle a small amount of oil on the bottom of a baking dish.  Add in chopped apples and onion.

4)  Rub the pork with some sea salt and minced garlic (chef's choice on amount).

5)  Place the pork on top of the apples/onions and drizzle the glaze on top.  Be sure to flip the pork so the glaze gets on both sides.

6)  Bake until the meat thermometer reads about 150 degrees (about 10 minutes).

7)  Remove the dish and let sit for about 5 minutes.

What's your favorite apple picking place??? Have a better experience that we did???

~Eat Well and Be Happy~