Gargantuan Turkey Burgers with Avocado Salad

Trying to use ingredients in our fridge and pantry, Dan and I cooked up a gargantuan turkey burger feast. We paired the meat with two zesty salads--avocado and potato-apple. It was easy, fun and made for an enjoyable group-cook. So...be prepared to do some chopping and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Giant Turkey Burgers: Serves 4

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs of ground turkey

1 large egg

1/4 cup of chopped onions

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 generous handful of breadcrumbs (with Italian seasoning, if possible)

4 large Kaiser rolls

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Defrost the turkey and place into a medium to large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine with your hands. Make sure to incorporate everything evenly but do not overmix--you'll know when the consistency is right. Take a generous handful of meat in your hands and form it in the shape of round-oval patty. Continue doing this until you've used up all the meat.

When the patties are ready, place them on a pre-heated and slightly oiled grill pan. Grill on high for 4-6 minutes per side or use your judgement depending on the thickness of your patties. The burgers should have a slightly charred exterior and a well-done interior.

When finished, place each patty between a lightly toasted kaiser roll.

Avocado Salad: Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 large, ripe avocados, cubed (1 inch cubes or however you like it)

1/3 cup of chopped onions

1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

The juice of 1 good lime

Salt and pepper to taste (more salt than pepper)

Directions:

Place all prepped ingredients in a small to medium bowl and mix with a fork. It's OK if the avocado gets slightly crushed. Make sure to keep tasting the mixture periodically and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Don't be shy to use a lot of salt--it really enhances the taste of avocados.

When ready, top burger with avocado salad or you can serve it on the side.

Potato-Apple Salad: Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 large Idaho potatoes

1 large Granny-Smith apple, chopped

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1/4 cup of onion, chopped

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the potatoes with the skins on until soft (about 20 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them--check their texture with a fork. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes and then peel and cube them into 1 inch squares.

In a medium to large bowl, mix the potatoes, apples, celery and onions. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the soy sauce and then transfer it to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Make sure to keep trying and adjusting the seasoning, as needed. This dish should be savory with an unexpected sweet crunch from the apples.

Happy Eating!