Jalapeño-Swiss Turkey Burgers. New Music From Jackie Venson.

Sometimes the reasons why I choose to try a recipe are totally ridiculous. The decision making process for today’s burgers is a perfect example.

I’m flipping through a magazine. I see a photo of a burger on a pretzel roll. I LOVE pretzel rolls. And the side serving suggestion is tater tots. Oooh! I LOVE tater tots. I’m only lukewarm about turkey burgers…but cover them with jalapeños and Swiss cheese? Hell yeah!

Turns out the the hint of onion in the turkey burgers really made them shine. The combination of the crisp, spicy chile pepper, nutty cheese and those fabulous pretzel rolls was sheer perfection. The burgers can be cooked in the oven, so they are just the thing if your grill is in hibernation for the winter.

Just a note…the jalapeño adds a real shot of heat, so beware if you like your dishes milder.

Jalapeño-Swiss Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
4 pretzel hamburger buns, split and toasted if you like
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeño, salsa and sour cream

Directions:

1. Combine turkey, onion, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly to keep the meat tender. Shape into four patties.

2. Place burgers on an oiled grill rack or in a greased baking pan. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from heat until a thermometer reads 165°F, about 5 minutes per side.

3. Top each burger with one slice cheese, jalapeño slices and a second slice of cheese. Grill or broil 1-2 minutes to melt cheese.

4. Serve on pretzel buns and add toppings, if you like. Tater tots, also optional, are awesome served alongside.

Serves 4 (Recipe can be doubled easily)

Recipe from Simple & Delicious Magazine

I was dancing all around the kitchen the first time I heard ‘Flying’ by Austin-based singer Jackie Venson. It’s got funk and some cool guitar sharing the spotlight with Ms. Venson’s silky vocals.