Baba Ghanoush

A wonderful alternative to the usual hummus

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil plus 1tbs.
• pita bread 
• salt and pepper 

1.) Preheat oven 375F. Cut each eggplant in half vertically and place on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes until very soft.

2.) Let eggplant cool before handling. Scoop eggplant flesh out of the skins into the bowl of a food processor. Add lemon juice, tahini, garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Serve with pita bread, and cut veggies if you are so inclined.

                                                Asian Turkey Burgers 

This was such a pleasant surprise! I always think turkey burgers are dry, but not this one!

This recipe comes from the Food Network Kitchen and they knocked it out of the park!

1/4 cup Bulgur wheat

1/2 cup boiling water

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1 tp. sugar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 seedless cucumber

1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1 tp. chili sauce

16 0z. lean ground turkey

2 Tb. hoisin sauce

2 scallions chopped

1 tp. grated ginger

2 Tb. chopped cilantro

1 clove garlic grated, plus 1/4 cup whole leaves

2 tp. vegetable oil

4 whole wheat hamburger buns

1.)Put the bulgar in a medium bowl and the boiling water. Cover with plastic wrap and let it stand until the bulgur is tender, 45 minutes to an hour.

2.) Meanwhile in a medium bowl whisk the vinegar and sugar with a generous amount of salt and pepper until dissolved. Add the cucumber and onion, toss well and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

3.)In a separate small bowl combine the yogurt and the chili sauce. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

4.)Drain the bulgar and put it in a large bowl. Add the turkey, hoisin, scallions, ginger, garlic and chopped cilantro and mix until just combined. Form into 4 equal sized patties.

5.) Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat until very hot. Lightly brush both sides of each patty with vegetable oil and place in the skillet. Cook, turning once, until just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

6.) Drain the pickled vegetables and toss with whole cilantro. Spread some spicy yogurt sauce on both the top and bottom of the buns and top with a burger patty and some pickles.