Lamb Burgers

I received this great balsamic onion relish over Christmas and have been wanting to make something to showcase it ever since. Burgers seemed like the perfect pairing, but I made the patties out of ground lamb rather than the standard beef burger. Lamb has a stronger flavor than beef and stands up nicely to the sweet and tangy onions and blue cheese (which I had left over from this recipe). I like cooking them on a grill, but if you don’t have one available to you this winter, you can always use a grill pan or skillet and adjust the cooking time as necessary. Either way the end result will be a delicious, nostalgic taste of summer to get you through these chilly months.


Lamb Burgers with Balsamic Onions & Blue Cheese:

• Combine 3/4 lb. ground lamb,* 1 tbsp. minced red onion, 1/2 tbsp. olive oil, the leaves from 6 sprigs of thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Divide mixture in half and flatten into patties. Let patties stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Grill burgers on a hot grill for 5 minutes per side and grill two whole-wheat buns for 1-2 minutes per side.
• Top burgers with blue cheese crumbles and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Place burger on buns and top with balsamic onions** and a handful of arugula.

Serves two

*I used 85% lean ground lamb.
**If you don't have balsamic onion relish, just saute 1 sliced onion with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.

Shakshuka

I’m always looking for new egg dishes (some of my favorites are here, here, and here) because they’re cheap, easy, and versatile enough for any meal of the day. This dish is another winner from Plenty (see previous here) and such a unique recipe from anything I’ve made before (plus, the name is really fun to say). It actually was recommended to me a few months ago by my brother and sister-in-law and their rave reviews convinced me to try it. The sweet peppers, onions, and tomatoes create a nice bed for the poached eggs and the whole thing gets a kick from some fresh herbs and spices. I like to serve it with toasted baguette for some added crunch and texture.

Shakshuka:

• Heat a small dutch oven* over high heat and add in 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds. Let seeds toast for 2 minutes.
• Add in 3 tbsp. olive oil and 1 sliced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until translucent.
• Add in 2 sliced bell peppers, 2 tsp. turbinado sugar,** 1 tbsp. minced parsley, 1 tbsp. minced cilantro, and the leaves from 4 sprigs of thyme.
• Let mixture cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in 4 diced tomatoes, 1/2 c. water, 1 large pinch saffron, and a large pinch of red chile flakes and turn the heat to low.
• Let sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, adding more water as necessary to form a pasta-sauce consistency.***
• Check sauce for seasoning and add salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
• Divide veggie mixture into two individual-sized lidded pans, then create two wells in the middle of each.
• Drop a raw egg into each well, then cover the pans with a lid and let cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until egg whites have set and yolks are at your desired doneness.
• Bring each pan to the table and serve with toasted baguette slices.
  

Serves two
*Or deep skillet.
**Or regular brown sugar or honey.
***I added about 1/2 c. more water to mine.

Valentine's Day Menu Planning

Rich pastas can be made in minutes but still feel special - perfect for a weeknight celebration. Pictured: Spaghetti Carbonara

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away, and in case you didn’t read last year’s posts (here and here), I’ll reiterate that it’s one of my favorite holidays. Even if you don’t have a date, use it as an excuse to share a good meal with someone (friends, family, pets) and treat yourself. It’s an excuse to indulge, so break out that special bottle of wine and cook up something decadent. Here are some of my favorite dishes for the occasion, ranging from the all-night affair to a quick weeknight celebration.

Choose dishes that are bright and colorful for the occasion. Pictured: Orange, Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Staying in doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fancy meal. Pictured: Steak with Mushroom-Red Wine Sauce

Valentine's Day isn't complete without some chocolate. Pictured: Chocolate Souffles