Turkey Burgers and Guac with Salad or Chips

Turkey Burger  with BBQ Sauce and  Salad

While you're adding to your first pantry (or even if you aren't), a turkey burger is just a good meal anytime.  They're simple to make, easy to shop for, and the raw burgers freeze perfectly.   Most everyone loves a burger, but also hates the fat and calories of a burger made from ground beef.  Add a little salad, some guacamole and/or chips et voila, dinner is served.

 Buy a pack of Jennie O Italian Seasoned lean ground turkey, which comes in a little over a pound

package.  You won't need to buy other spices, etc.   Make yourself four or five patties.  Save out one for tonight's dinner and freeze the rest; use within 4-6 weeks.  Before freezing, you can put them in plastic sandwich bags, tupperware or between sheets of waxed paper and  wrapped in foil or a gallon freezer bag.  You can unthaw (perhaps two hours on the counter or overnight in the frig) to cook, but they cook fine frozen.(If you buy a pack of buns, freeze them, too--either individually in foil or by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and returning them to the bag.  Use them within a couple of weeks.)

Before you start to cook, put on some music.  Set your table with some things you like.  Find a candle and light it.  Give thanks and enjoy.  A meal for one is a celebration.

Easy Turkey Burgers for One

1.25 # (approx) package Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey, made into 4-5 burgers
1 t olive oil for each burger
Salt and pepper, optional
1 whole wheat bun

Freeze burgers you aren't eating.  Heat pan over medium heat. Salt and pepper burger, if desired.  Add olive oil to pan and place burger  in oil.  Cook 4-5 minutes; turn and cook another 4 minutes or so.  (Or grill on a grill you've brushed with olive oil)  Make sure no pink remains at center of burger before eating or you can take the temperature of the burger (from the side, not the top) with an instant read thermometer. It should read 160.  Calories: 160 calories per 1/4 lb burger

 
Place burger on whole wheat bun  with any of your favorite toppings:  cheddar and onion rings, green chiles and sauteed onions, bacon and bbq sauce, hot mustard and sweet pickles, swiss cheese w/ fresh onion placed on buttered rye bread (grill til toasty).

Have friends over?  Cook all four on a grill or in a large skillet.

Simple Salad for One

2 c mixed greens, your favorite                                      
1 carrot grated
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and pepper
Drizzle of olive oil, perhaps 2t
Guacamole, optional

Place cleaned greens and carrot in a medium bowl.  Squeeze some lemon (maybe just making a circle with your hand as you squeeze) over your greens.  Dust with a pinch each of salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.  Mix with your hands.  Add a dollop of guacamole if you'd like some.  Eat immediately.
 

Nothing better.

Guacamole for Two (Save some for tomorrow.)  Don't buy store-made guac unless you're desperate.

1 ripe avocado, chopped
1/4 jalapeno, very finely minced (or more to your taste; you can also use a little hot sauce)+
1/2 c fresh cilantro, minced+
1/8 c onion, minced
1 tomato, chopped
1-2 t fresh lemon juice
Very generous pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Hot sauce if needed

Tortilla chips or above salad

In a medium bowl, mix together avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and tomato.  Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle with a first try of salt and pepper.  Mix well and taste.  Add salt or pepper or more lemon juice if needed.  Add a drop or two of hot sauce at a time to your taste.  Serve with chips or salad.  Cover unused portion with plastic wrap (make sure it is in direct contact with the guac) and store in frig one day.


+Use the cilantro, another tomato or two, and the rest of the jalapeno and onion to make pico de gallo another night.  Great on grilled fish, eggs, tacos, fajitas or on a piece of oven-roasted chicken.

Solo Cook's Note:  The guacamole can be made by using any one of several techniques.  If you like it smooth, and have one, put it in the food processor.  If you like it great-big chunky, cut the ingredients into large dice.  A manual food chopper could  also be used for the tomatoes and onions.

Here's one on a skinny bun.  Skinny buns (100 cal/whole wheat) are great for all kinds of sandwiches.

Have fun cooking and taking care of yourself,
Alyce