The Last Dinner, Late Nite Turkey Burgers

As I sit and think about this past week, I get kind of sad.  I always feels so relaxed and content when I visit Matt in Florida; it always makes me sad to leave.  When I am here, I can be as mindless as I want it to be.  I make an effort not to look at the clock, drink way too much coffee in the morning, and plan my day as it unfolds.  This trip was low key.  We just wanted to spend some time with Matt and Lauren and decided to forgo the usual obligatory Orlando theme parks.   My days were spent sleeping in, doing some shopping at my favorite SteinMarts (yes I went to 2 of them), taking a stroll on Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, catching a movie downtown and spending a long day at the Mount Dora craft fair.

Leather rockers with double elbow room....nice!  Wish the movie was better.

Everyone needs an alligator muffler....don't they?

We were able to get in a little time at the pool, I had time to write, and let's not forget our afternoon at the Black Hammock biker bar in search of alligators.

Matt is not a biker

Me and Matty

It's safer to dance on tables when alligators are around

The guys in the background gave us their recipe for fried gator!

I guess you can't swim in this lake!

We ate well too.  We had excellent Thai food at Sea Thai, yummy BBQ at 4 Rivers and Lauren's famous turkey tacos at home, YUM.  I did not do any cooking until last night.  Since Matt was working late, and Lauren worked all day as well, I decided to whip up a batch of late nite Mar-a-lago Turkey Burgers.  Yes, it was a relaxing trip.

I love cooking in this kitchen.  Why???  I HAVE SPACE!!!!  At home, I am very methodic when I cook.  I have to be.  At the condo, I can cook with reckless abandon... I love having space!

So let's get down to cooking....

Mar-a-lago Turkey Burger

Recipe adapted from Jeff O'Neill June 3, 2008 Oprah.com

Makes 8 big patties

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 apples , peeled and diced
• 1/8 cup canola oil
• 3 pounds ground turkey breast
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. chipotle pepper sauce
• 1 lemon , juiced and grated zest
• 1/2 bunch parsley , finely chopped
• 1/4 cup homemade peach chutney or Major Grey's Chutney , pureed 

Optional, but highly recommended Chutney Topping Ingredients:

1 pear, 1 apple, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 cup Chutney 

Directions

Sauté the scallions, celery and apples in the oil until tender.  Let cool.

Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl.  Add sautéed items and the remaining ingredients.  Shape into eight burgers. Refrigerate for 2 hours.  This step is crucial.  They must chill down.

While they are chilling: Make optional, but highly recommended Chutney Topping. Dice up a  peeled pear and an apple.  Toss in cinnamon and sugar, just enough to coat.  Saute in a non-stick pan until soft.  Mix into 1 cup of Chutney.  

Season the turkey burgers with salt and pepper.  Place on a preheated, lightly oiled grill or non-stick fry pan.  Grill each side for 7 minutes until meat is thoroughly cooked.  Let sit for 5 minutes.

Serve with of Chutney Topping, lettuce and tomato on your favorite hamburger bun.

Just be sure Paul is there to clean up!