A Taste of Summer

Summer is slowly nearing to an end. One can almost hear the pitter-patter of (not-so) eager little feet awaiting the school bell and the silent sighs of relief from parents (very) eager to get their little (and not-so-little) ones off to school for another year. But before the bell rings and signals the end of summer-time fun, we still have some time left for this season’s lovely indulgences. For some, summer is a time to escape the sweltering city heat and head to a cottage or some other kind of  retreat, while for others summer is a time for travel, camps, outdoor adventures and fun in the sun…but despite one’s location, most of all summer is a time to enjoy a well-cooked meal outside with friends and family and enjoy those lazy warm evenings. Here in Ottawa, we especially like to enjoy these lovely little summer meals, because frankly, winters are long and cold and there are no out-door barbecued meals to be enjoyed. Therefore, for the last remaining summer days and summer meals, here is a great recipe for some mini-burgers that is sure to satisfy the cottager, camper or city-dweller within.

Summer Mini Turkey & Chicken Burgers

Ingredients (patties)

1 lb ground chicken
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
half onion grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/4 each salt and pepper

Ingredients (toppings)
mini focaccia buns
sliced bocconcini cheese
tomato sliced
large basil leaves
BBQ sauce or any other fixing of your choice

DSC_8325
Instructions:
Whisk together egg, 1tbsp water, onion, garlic, cheese, bread crumbs, basil, salt and pepper; mix in chicken and turkey.
DSC_8326
Shape into mini patties that will fit into your mini focaccia buns. 

DSC_8331
Grill on medium heat, turning once, until no longer pink inside or digital thermometer registers 165F (about 15 minutes).
DSC_8334 

Serve burgers in buns with bocconcini, tomato and basil leaves and any other fixings you like!
DSC_8339

Voila, some very yummy mini-burgers! I highly recommend enjoying  these minis outside with a cold glass of lemonade. It’s the perfect meal for any summer party, barbecue or event.