Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter L

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Timeless Classics: Lamb Burger Sliders! For all the meat-lovers out there, lean lamb is a healthier choice simply because it is good for the heart. Personally, I prefer the tender cut of meat with its mellow flavor, especially when partnered with garden fresh vegetables. By adding a touch of spice, it actually enhances the flavor. If you’re looking for a break from beef, chicken, or pork…think lamb. 
LAMB BURGER SLIDERS 
Ingredients:

1 pound ground lamb

1/8 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tomato, sliced

1 cucumber, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce with feta chunks

6 ciabatta slider buns
Instructions:

Form ground lamb meat into six mini patties. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning; sprinkle with sea salt. Brush both sides of patties with olive oil. Grill lamb patties 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat, turning once. Set aside. Toast ciabatta buns. To assemble lamb sliders, spread tzatziki sauce on the bottom of the buns. Next layer buns with cucumber slice, tomatoes, lamb burger, and red onion. Serve immediately. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter Q

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Be Our Guest: Quesadilla Burger! Two layers of gooey melted cheese sandwiched inside a flour tortilla is just the beginning. Add an Angus beef patty butter-fried in an iron skillet and savor the aromas. Take a walk on the wild side by adding sliced jalapeño peppers for a little heat. After that, who cares? Go crazy with your favorite condiments. Anything goes!
QUESADILLA BURGER
Ingredients: 

1 pound Angus ground beef

1 beef bouillon cube

1-2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

4 flour tortillas

1/4 wedge lettuce, shredded

1 medium tomato, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced

1/4 cup pickled jalapeño peppers, sliced

Condiments to taste
Instructions:

In a small bowl, microwave water for 1 minute, 45 seconds. Dissolve bouillon cube. Add mixture to ground beef, working to incorporate. Form beef into 4 quarter pound patties. Refrigerate until ready to use. Preheat oven to 350°. Place tortillas to lay flat on a baking sheet. Divide cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese between four tortillas, stopping before the edges. Bake 4-5 minutes until cheese melts. Remove and set aside. Meanwhile, add butter to an iron skillet set on medium-high heat. Cook burger patties 3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 3 minutes longer. Take one burger, insert into a cheesy tortilla, fold over, and place back into the skillet just until shell is golden, about one minute. Remove from skillet. Add lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño peppers, and other condiments. 

Dining Outside the Home: Street Burger in Wailua, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Street Burger in Wailua, Kauai! An urban upscale burger joint? When you add a gourmet chef who gives you a front row seat to his Argentinian-style grill and a pastry chef with a view of the kitchen, it adds up to years of experience serving the public with flare. The menu boasts 20 different kinds of burgers, made from good, natural ingredients. Even the condiments are made from scratch. The high-ceiling décor is industrial chic. In a sweeping glance, you’ll find everything from ship lap and tile to stainless and hardwoods reflected in the surroundings. Through glass-paneled sliding barn doors, a view of the Sleeping Giant mountain range forms a backdrop for inside seating. The enticing aromas encourage you to relax and stay awhile. Put down the cell phones and soak up the rustic ambience. When the feta-spinach-cucumber stuffed Greek burger arrived, with a flip of the oversized striped napkin across my lap, I was ready to dig in. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter B

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Appetizers to Desserts: Bison Sirloin Steak Burger! If you’re a meat-lover, pull up a chair. Grass fed bison meat (aka buffalo) is a lean alternative to the basic all-beef burger and is becoming readily available as a healthier option. The smoky grilled flavor is rich tasting and savory. Add a side of cheese, onions, and potatoes for a Wild West experience that will leave you feeling fully satisfied. 
BISON SIRLOIN STEAK BURGER
Ingredients:

8-ounce bison sirloin steak

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Dash garlic powder
Instructions:

Preheat outdoor grill to 475°. This is ideal for searing bison steaks. Let the steak come to room temperature marinated in olive oil and seasonings. Put the steak on the hot grill; close the lid, and sear the steak for 2 minutes per side. Then move the steak to the unheated side of the grill. Keep the lid closed and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare steak. Remove to a platter and let it rest for 8 minutes before serving. Keep spices to a minimum to truly appreciate the full taste of bison.