Grilled Chicken Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup prepared creamy Italian salad dressing

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine ground chicken, egg, onion, bread crumbs, drained and rinsed black beans, and creamy Italian dressing.
2. Prepare grill pan over medium-high heat (or prepare grill).
3. Shape mixture by hand into 6 patties, 3/4 inch thick.
4. Grill each patty on both sides until fully cooked.  (Approximately 4-5 minutes each side on our grill pan.)
5. Check for safe meat temperature with a meat thermometer (170 degrees F)
6. Serve with favorite burger toppings, if desired.

Hints:  Mixing with your hands insures the best texture!  The chicken and vegetable mixture makes a hearty patty that has good form and can be adapted easily by swapping in your favorite veggies.  Try spinach and feta instead of onion and black beans, for example.  These patties could also be prepared in advance and frozen for later use. Enjoy!!

**This recipe is being shared at Mom Trends Friday Food post - go check out the other great recipes being shared!**

Smoked Pork

Success!

We found a Brinkman Gourmet smoker at a local thrift store, and decided

to try our hand at smoked pork.

This turned out wonderfully juicy and delicious!!

Seasoning??  Only a rib rub from the local grocery store.

We used apple hardwood in the smoker and we are DEFINITELY looking

forward to the next adventure with our smoker :)

Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 large green tomatoes, sliced
• 2 eggs, beat with a fork
• 1/2-3/4 cup skim milk
• 3/4 cup AP flour*
• 3/4 cup AP flour PLUS 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• oil, for frying

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Slice tomatoes in thick slices (about 1/2 inch thick).
3. In 3 separate, shallow containers set up dredging line.  1st shallow container:  3/4 cup AP flour (unseasoned) to coat sliced green tomatoes.  2nd container:  skim milk and egg mixture.  3rd container:  3/4 cup AP flour PLUS seasoned bread crumbs, garlic salt and black pepper.
4. Heat oil in frying pain over medium heat.
5. Dredge each side of each green tomato slice in order of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd containers.  Use tongs or forks...it will be messy.  (Messy is good!)
6. When oil is ready, carefully place battered tomato slice in hot oil and fry on both sides until golden brown.  (About 2 minutes per side.)
7. Remove fried green tomato slices from hot oil, and lay on a paper towel covered plate to cool and drain.
8. Be prepared to be swarmed by eager eaters - these don't last long!

Hints:  Ranch dressing for dipping or zatziki sauce (my preference) goes well with these yummy slices.  Instead of a traditional BLT, try substituting one of these slices for the red tomato slice in your sandwich.  When looking for green tomatoes, choose firm unbruised fruit.  I found our green tomatoes at the local Farmer's Market.  (Sadly my tomato plant is growing and growing but not producing fruit.)  Enjoy!!

Let Them Eat Salad!

I love salad.

I would eat salad everyday...but...I live with 4 guys who much prefer a diet of meat and potatoes.

Sad, really.

So - we compromise!

I make a delicious garden salad...and top it with spicy chicken tenders!

Everybody's happy, (especially me)!!

Breakfast Bites

Ingredients:

• wonton wrappers (24)
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 2 green onions, with tops
• salt & pepper to taste
• salsa *

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small mixing bowl mix eggs, ham, half-and-half, and shredded cheese.
3. Prepare mini-muffin pan with cooking spray. 
4. Put one wonton wrapper in each muffin well.
5. Fill wonton wrapper with egg mixture - about 2/3 full.
6. Top with sliced green onions and salt and pepper if desired.
7. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool before serving, top with salsa if desired.