Veggie Protein Burgers

1/2 cup dried kidney beans
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups fresh water
1 green onion, finely diced, including the tops
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp sage
dash garlic powder
dash cayenne
1/4 cup corn starch
1 Tbsp olive oil

Put kidney beans in a bowl with cold fresh water and let soak for 4 to 5 hours.
In a large saucepan, put soaked beans, uncooked quinoa, and water over medium heat, bringing just to a boil, turning heat immediately to very low, and simmer, covered for 20 to 30 minutes or until the kidney beans are tender and water is absorbed; remove from heat and let cool.
Once cooled to room temperature, put kidney bean and quinoa mixture into a bowl, then add all the remaining ingredients.
Using a pastry cutter or potato masher, start mashing mixture together until it has the consistency of hamburger.
In a large heavy skillet, heat a little frying oil over medium heat.
Form patties out of mixture, packing firmly.
Set patties in skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
Serve on buns with condiments as you would any burger, or alongside a salad.

Better Bean Burgers

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed, drained, divided in half
1/2 cup green onion, diced including tops
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1 egg
1/2 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash garlic powder

In food processor, put half the black beans and all the remaining ingredients.
Use pulse setting on food processor and pulse processor until mixture gets sticky and holds together well, about 1/2 minute or a little more.
Put other half of black beans in processor and pulse until beans break up, but not smooth; about 6 or 7 times.
Let the mixture sit undisturbed at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. The flavors will blend.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Form burger shaped patties, using about 1/4 cup for each burger.
Heat skillet with a touch of non-stick cooking spray over medium heat.
Put patties in skillet and brown for 3 or 4 minutes, flip carefully, brown the second side for about 3 or 4 minutes.
Remove patties to baking sheet and put in preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve on hamburger buns with salsa, mustard, slices of sweet onions, or avocados.

Cheesy Sweet Pepper Burgers

peppers

What You Need:

1 tsp olive oil
1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
1 sweet red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 sweet yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
1 onion, sliced thin
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 slices of mozzarella cheese
1/4 C of mustard
4 hard rolls, split and toasted
8 lettuce leaves
1 tomato, sliced thin

How to Make It:

Preheat the broiler.
Pour the oil into a skillet and place the skillet over medium heat.
Add all the peppers, onions and the garlic and sauté 5 minutes or until crisp tender.
Drizzle the vinegar over the vegetables and toss to coat.
Spread the mustard over the top of roll.
Spoon the vegetables over the bottom of each roll.
Place a slice of cheese over the vegetables.
Place the bottom of the rolls on a broiler pan.
Place the pan in the broiler and broil 4 inches from the heat for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Top each sandwich with a couple slices of tomato and a lettuce leaf and cover with the top of the bun.

Makes 4 sandwiches

This tasty burger is great for those who are trying to cut back on their meat intake. The sautéed vegetables give it a low fat twist. For something a little different try a couple of fresh basil leaves on each sandwich instead of the lettuce leaves. You can also make a great sauce by mixing together 1/4 C of mayonnaise and 1/2 tsp of horseradish together and spreading it on the buns instead of the mustard.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 7 minutes
Total Time: approximately 22 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate amounts per serving)
Calories 278; Fat 10g; Saturated Fat 3g; Carbohydrates 39g; Protein 9g; Fiber 3g;
Cholesterol 13mg; Sodium 456mg

Mushroom Burgers from the Microwave

What You Need:

1/4 C of cornstarch
2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans of condensed beef consommé
1 (6 oz.) jar of sliced mushrooms
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C of bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped fine
1/2 tsp season salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

How to Make It:

Place the cornstarch and consommé together in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Add the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and basil and stir until blended in well.
Place the egg, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper into a bowl and stir to combine.
Add the meat to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
Form the meat mixture into 6 patties.
Arrange the patties in a 1 1/2 qt microwave safe dish and cover.
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 6 minutes.
Drain off any liquid and rearrange the patties moving the ones inside to the outside and the ones outside to the inside.
Pour the mushroom gravy over the patties.
Recover the dish and return to the microwave.
Cook the burgers on high 10 minutes or until the meat is completely cooked through.

Makes 6 servings

Could a delicious meal be any simpler? These mushroom burgers taste great with mashed potatoes and a side of fresh corn or a side of noodles or rice topped with the delicious gravy.

There’s More Than One Way to Grill

charcolgrill

When it comes to summer and backyard parties grilling definitely takes center stage. There is nothing like spending that beautiful summer day outside with friends and family enjoying a nice juicy burger or steak. That is why the grill is a very popular method of food preparation. It gives you the opportunity to get out of the house as well as bringing a fun positive outlook to cooking. Pull up a chair, get your friends together and let’s talk about grilling!

If you like being outdoors then cooking on the grill will be an enjoyment. Have you ever heard anyone say that grilling food takes away the flavor and juices? That statement couldn’t be more wrong! Grilling is how many professional cooks prepare their meals. It helps to release the natural juices the food holds making what you eat a mouth watering delight. There are many ways to grill those mouthwatering foods.

The Charcoal Grill

This is the most common type of grill. It’s the sliced bread of the grilling world. The old school, always affective method of grilling’ those jaw dropping dishes. It’s quick and is always sure to bring fun and laughter to any backyard event. A few negatives about charcoal are the actual coals take a little while to get to the right temperature. This type of grill can sometimes get messy. If you’re not a fan of the charcoal taste then a gas grill may be more up your alley.

The Gas Grill

This is another effective method of food preparation. The best part about gas grilling is its simplicity. Instead of fiddling around with charcoal just turn a knob, preheat and throw on the food. There are no more cleaning ashes up or buying heavy giant bags of charcoal. Replacing the need for coal with propane is also a little bit cheaper. How can it be cheaper you might ask? It’s because charcoal will run out before a propane tank will. With gas you get to keep your money and keep those friends coming back for more tasty treats.

If you like that charcoal taste then the gas grill may not be your preferred grilling partner. For a gas grill lover just turn that knob and be on your way to a for sure talked about meal.


The Fire Pit Grill

What an exciting way to grill up those hot dogs! Grab the family head out to the back yard and enjoy that time with each other because when you use a fire pit everyone is actively involved. It a great bonding experience and can produce some delicious meals including those awesome S’mores everyone loves.

The Smoker

Ah smoked meat is the icing on the cake for some people. With a smoker, like the name says, it lets the smoke cook the meat. It’s not so much the fire that makes the food melt in your mouth, but it’s that brilliant design that enables the grill to hold in smoke well enough to cook foods thoroughly.

The Electric Grill

Are you looking for a way to have that outdoor cooking experience without any of the hassles of charcoal, gas or wood? Are you looking for a way to do that and keep your money in your pocket? Well then an electric grill is going to be your right hand man. You can cook outside, enjoy the weather and save money all at the same time. There is nothing needed but an outlet and a hungry crowd.

What Can Be Cooked

There are so many different foods that can be cooked on the grill, from that thick pork chop to those healthy vegetables. The food options are unlimited and here are just a few ideas:

Meat options include steak, beef, pork, veal and fish. Vegetables taste great from the grill. Squash, zucchini, potatoes, broccoli and carrots can all be grilled with ease. Even cucumbers and apples make a tasty addition to meals cooked on the grill. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many options for things you can cook on the grill. Pretty much everything you cook inside can be grilled.

The Benefits of Grilling

Is grilling for everyone? Now there is always going to be pros and cons with any situation. There are few things to remember when it comes to grilling. First grilling can get messy. It can also take longer to cook foods than it would in a conventional oven. If you don’t like being outside then grilling might not be your thing. If cooking for a large group of people grilling would be ideal but if it’s just a quick dinner for the family then you might want to think twice before lugging out that heavy grill.

One benefit of grilling is the changing of flavor. Grilling can completely change the flavor depending on which type of grill is used. Charcoal gives you that charred taste while a fire pit grill allows a little well done taste. Smokers are great for that smoky enhancement of foods and propane gives a grilled yet juicy flavor. There are so many options and ways to improve your meal on the grill.

Grilling brings people together and creates backyard memories as well as some great tasting foods. So as you can see there are downsides but all in all grilling is a bonding, fun relaxing way to prepare that family meal. Gather up family and friends and head outside to enjoy the day and the grub.

Onions Natures Wonder

onionsbasket

onionsbasketThe myth is that onions make you cry as you prepare them. Tearing up, while preparing onions is a natural process that the body uses to relieve the burning sensation that the strong scent of the onion produces. To help reduce the scent try running the onion under some cold water after skinning it.

Onions have many uses. They can be used cooked, sautéed and even raw. Some people even pick them up and eat them raw like a tomato or an apple.

A steak without sautéed onions just isn’t the same. The flavor enhances the taste of the steak and adds a great taste treat to a meal. While grilling your steak, pull out your favorite skillet, add a little butter and your onions and cook just long enough to make the onion transparent. Add to the top of your steak and the flavor just bursts in your mouth!

Vidalia onions are wonderful cooked. These onions are usually used for onion rings or baked with butter, bouillon and cheese in the oven because they are sweeter onions than most. These are also used in a lot of restaurants for blooming onions.

Green onions are long and thin and are great for a relish tray. Just add your favorite dip and other veggies and have a great idea for a family get together or party. You can also dice them up and add them to salads for color or add them to a favorite cheese ball.

Onions can be sliced for sandwiches. Burgers without onions seem like they are missing something. Dice one and they add a great flavor to a hot dog. Dice another and add to ham salad or chicken salad for a great taste sensation. Potato salad and macaroni salad are bland without a little diced onion thrown in.

Making a pot roast? Add sliced or quartered onions with the potatoes and add them to the pan or crock pot. Your family will love the additional flavor even if they don’t want to just eat the onion.

Because there is no fat or cholesterol in onions they are a wonderful choice for a healthy veggie. Plus there are a lot of benefits to an onion. They are full of great nutrients that can help prevent some cancers, lower your chance for heart problems and high blood pressure and even help with ulcers of the stomach. So be healthy and remember through all the tears that onions are one of nature’s wonders.

Celebrate the USA at the Beach

beachfood

beachfoodGoing to the beach on the 4th of July can be a blast for the family. Planning the meals can be one of the biggest hassles. One of the best things to have on hand for the beach, 4th of July or not, is zippered baggies. Make sure you stock up on all different sizes for the different things you might want to prepare to eat!

Coolers and ice are a must for a great day on the beach! Keeping your food fresh and safe can be a hard task but can be done. 2 separate coolers are a good idea; keep one for drinks and one for food. Place the drinks in the cooler and cover with ice to keep them cold. Food, on the other hand, can prove to be a bit trickier. Some great ways to keep food safe are listed below.

Try to keep opening the food cooler to a minimum. This prevents all that cool air from escaping. Take along a portable grill and you can have steaks, burgers and even potatoes cooked on the grill if they are prepared correctly before going to the beach.

Prepare your hamburger patties before going on your beach trip and put a piece of foil or saran wrap between them so they don’t meld together. Place in a zip bag and remove right before grilling. Place the extra fixin’s, like onions, pickles, and tomatoes in a baggie before transporting them. Buy a separate set of condiments so clean up is easy and if you need to throw them away it doesn’t mean you have to replace them at home.

Steaks can be fixed the same way. Pre-season your steaks at home before leaving and place in a Ziploc bag and grill to your heart’s content. You can even put your steaks in a marinade and they will travel great in a baggie.

Place your potatoes in a foil pouch with some onions and mushrooms and place above the ice to store. Remove right before you put them on the grill. But remember they take about an extra 10 minutes to cook longer than your steak.

Chips at the beach can become stale very quickly! So instead of chips why not try to take peanut butter stuffed celery with raisins on top. Or how about a relish tray stored in zip bags, like carrots, broccoli, and celery. Nuts are also a great beach treat. Peanuts, walnuts and almonds can be a great snack for the kids and adults. Go nuts and have a great 4th of July and be safe!

It’s a Yankee Doodle Dandy Picnic

redchekeredtablecloth

redchekeredtableclothPicnic season is at hand and so are family reunions. The 4th of July is always a great way to show off your culinary skills. Recipes don’t have to be hard and time-consuming to be a great mouthwatering delight. There are several ideas for a white, red and blue theme that are simple and quick to make.

Desserts are a great idea for easy. All you need is a white cake mix, some blueberries, some strawberries and some vanilla frosting to make a great tasting and great looking cake that looks like a flag! Simply bake the cake, frost with the vanilla icing, use the strawberries for the stripes and the blueberries for the stars in the corner.

Cupcakes are a great hit with the kids as well as adults, and clean up is a breeze. Using a cake mix and muffin liners, bake your favorite flavor. Using vanilla icing, simply divide and add blue and red food color to some. Frost your cupcakes with the different colors. For added pizzazz, buy sugar glitter in red, and blue and sprinkle on top. Bet these are one of the desserts to go first.

For the kids, freeze some red and blue Gatorade or powerade in ice cube trays. Mix these and real ice into a clear cup and add some lemon lime soda and the kids will be happy for hours.

Potato salad is one of the favorites at any gathering; especially home-made potato salad. Try using white, blue and red potatoes and don’t skin them. Cut into bite size pieces and add your eggs, onions, pickle relish and your favorite salad dressing and mix. Now you have a very colorful but tasty treat that everyone will love!

Bacon burgers are a great idea for the grill. Simply add Worcestershire sauce, and onions to your hamburger before cooking. Wrap bacon around the burger and grill for about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and add your favorite toppings. For something different, try adding avocado slices, barbecue sauce, A-1 sauce or even salsa to your burger for a different taste sensation.

Festive Fajitas are also a great taste for the 4th. Simply grill your favorite steak and slice thin, add some yellow, green, or red bell peppers and onions to a flour tortilla and presto, fajitas for any season. Add salsa, guacamole, lettuce and tomato and even shredded cheese and your favorite dressing and BAM what a meal.

Not Fried Fried Chicken is another great choice and really easy to make. Simply dip your chicken pieces in some milk and seasonings and cornflake cereal and bake. It takes about 40 minutes in a 425F oven. Not only does it taste great but it is healthier than real fried chicken. Add your potato salad and some sliced tomatoes and dinner is ready!

Need a start up for the day? Try making Four Fruit Salad Delight. Simply dice some apples, slice some strawberries, clean some blueberries and slice some bananas and mix with a mix of lemon juice, mint and honey or just add some whipped topping and serve.

What a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence! Be independent and creative and try some of these wonderful ideas for the 4th of July or any day for that matter!

Patriotic Foods to Tickle the Taste Buds

patriotic-cupcakes

patriotic-cupcakesFood for the 4th of July doesn’t have to be the tried and true. Try making something white, red and blue for your family picnic or gathering! There are some really great ideas out there to make your picnic a patriotic favorite.

Salads are a great choice for a picnic. Not only are they usually easy to make, but they are also great for a hot summer day. Try a tomato salad for your red food. Take cherry tomatoes and also some coarsely chopped firm tomatoes and add some chopped parsley and some basil. Toss in a large bowl with some extra virgin olive oil and you have a great summer salad.

How about potato salad with a twist? Boil ½ pound of blue potatoes with the skins on until they are done but not squishy. Slice a couple of green onions, 3 stalks of celery, 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes and add to the potatoes. For the dressing, add ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of mustard and gently stir into the vegetables. Blue food done easy!

Pineapple Cream Cheese Salad is a summer treat for everyone. The biggest can of crushed pineapple and drain the juice from it and place in a large measuring cup…add water to equal 2 cups. Heat the water and juice mixture until it boils and then add a package of jello. Make sure to dissolve completely. Remove from heat and add the crushed pineapple and refrigerate until syrupy. While refrigerating that mixture, mash 16 ounces of cream cheese and blend with a blender into the pineapple mixture. Add 1 cup of nuts and ½ pint of whipped cream and blend well. Chill in a 9 x 13 pan then serve your white salad to all your friends and family.

How about an appetizer or finger food for the family on the 4th? All you need is some “red “apples, walnuts, cream cheese and bleu cheese. Take ½ cup of walnuts (chopped), ½ cup of crumbled bleu cheese, 3 tablespoons of softened butter, and 1 small package of cream cheese (8 ounces), and mix together. Chill for 3 hours in the refrigerator; spread on apples that have been sliced and cored, for a delicious mouthwatering treat.

Cheese balls are always a favorite. If you serve this with blue tortilla chips, you have a great blue and white food to serve on Independence Day. You need an 8 ounce package of cream cheese, 1 small onion that is finely chopped, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 package of crumbled bleu cheese (4 ounces), and some English cheese. Blend together into a ball and chill overnight, and then serve with the tortilla chips.

Now we move on to the main course. Soften several tortilla shells the microwave. Dip in enchilada sauce. Place dipped shell on a plate and add a layer of browned ground beef then some shredded cheese. Repeat until you have 3 layers then add a fried egg to the top and BAM a meal to be remembered!

The 4th of July is not only for chicken and burgers, try this delicious fish recipe and you will have everyone eating out of your hands. Take ¾ cups of blue cornmeal with ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 garlic cloves or the equivalent in garlic powder, and some jalapeno peppers finely chopped. Fry in a skillet with a little oil until the fish flakes and eat until you are full! What a great change of pace!

Pork chops are a great choice for the 4th also. Using a crock pot, place 6 pork chops in the pot and cook for a couple of hours. Add celery soup (2 cans) and 2 cans of mushroom soup and leave in the crock pot a couple more hours and you have your “white” meat dish available. The pork gets so tender it basically falls apart without any help with a knife!