Posts tagged Karen Spencer Dees

FamilyFun.com: Savory Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

April 16, 2009 · Filed under Meat Dishes, Nutritious Family Recipes · Tagged , , , , , , , ,

This delicious family friendly turkey burger recipe is brought to you by FamilyFun.com.
FamilyFun.com Savory Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

These juicy burgers combine a couple of kid-friendly flavors: the sweetness of grated pear and seasonings typically used in breakfast sausage. They’re also made with coarse panko bread crumbs (sold in most large grocery stores), which helps keep the texture of the burger on the lighter side.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 medium-size firm Bosc pear, peeled, cored, and coarsely grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Mix together the turkey, pear, egg, panko, parsley, garlic, sage, rosemary, and allspice in a large bowl until well combined. Add the salt and pepper, or more to taste. (To test the flavor, cook a teaspoon or two of the mixture in the microwave or a small skillet.)

2. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties, gently pressing the center of each to create a slight indentation. This will prevent the patty from bulging in the center, so that you end up with a flat, evenly cooked burger. Refrigerate the patties until the grill is ready.

3. Prepare a charcoal fire or a gas grill to medium-hot. Wipe the rack with canola oil and lay the burgers on it indentation-side up. Let them cook, without pressing down on them, until the bottoms are well seared, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the burgers and continue grilling until they are completely cooked through (the juices will run clear), another 5 to 7 minutes.

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Kids Cook: Taco Dinner Night

April 1, 2009 · Filed under Kids Can Cook! · Tagged , , , , , , ,

Cooking with your children can be fun as well as lay a good foundation for healthy habits. Enjoy creating a Taco Dinner with your kids using these recipes from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger featured on FoodFit.com. 

Nutritional Information
per serving of meal
Calories : 527
Total fat : 17g
Saturated fat : 3g
Protein : 31g
Sodium : 650mg
Cholesterol : 55mg

Carne Asada Tacos
Makes 8 tacos (2 per person)

1 pound skirt steak
salt and freshly ground pepper
olive oil
1 lime
8 corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Kidds sprinkle the steak all over with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and lightly coat with oil. Sear the steak about 2 minutes per side and place on cutting board to rest for about 5 minutes.
  3. Kids can cut the limes in half, pierce the juice side with a fork and twist to release the juice all over cooked meat.
  4. Cut steak into thin slices across the grain and then let  cut each slice into bite-sized pieces for bringing to the table.
  5. Kids can warm the tortillas by dipping first in water and then placing in a dry pan over low heat. Use tongs to lift out and wrap in a towel to keep warm.
  6. Everyone can assemble the tacos at the table with salsa fresca and guacamole. It’s easy to replace the steak with chicken or fish.

Salsa Fresca
Makes 2 cups

4 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 red onion, minced
2 jalapenos, seeds optional, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Salsa should be a Team Effort. The only item that needs adult attention is the jalapeno and its seeds. For more heat, keep the seeds and chop.
  2. Younger kids can chop the cilantro while mom dices the tomato, onion and peppers. Be sure to have the kids put everything in the bowl and handle the mixing.

Guacamole
Makes 3 cups

2 ripe Haas avocados
½ bunch fresh cilantro, leaves chopped
1/4 medium red onion, diced
2 jalapenos, stemmed, seeded and finely diced (optional)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the avocados into halves and remove the seeds. Peel the fruit and place in a mixing bowl.
  • Have kids mash avocados with a potato masher or fork until chunky. (Good luck stopping them from mashing into a thin paste!) They can add the remaining ingredients (after grown-ups have chopped the jalapenos) and mix with a fork.

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