Fifty Fifty Burger

This past month I purchased a fantastic book that addresses the epidemic of poverty and hunger within our country and the struggle so many people face living at poverty-level. 

Focused predominantly on vegetarian meals, when meat is included in the recipes, the author identifies ways to maximize or stretch its use. If you are trying to survive on a low college budget, or are struggling to eat at all, as anyone on the $4 / day meal budget that SNAP dollars allow, this book could be the best purchase you ever make: 

Good and Cheap / By Leanne Brown 

Additionally, if you buy a copy, one copy is donated to a family in need!

In this recipe today, Leanne Brown takes a pound of ground beef and stretches it into 8 massive burgers by adding lentils and red pepper to the meat.  I supplemented with some grated sweet potato, onion, and a leftover heel of sharp cheddar cheese; and, definitely include the egg to hold it all together!

Needless to say this is an awesome recipe to have for college cooking and college savings! Great way to fill your freezer for future use!

The Fifty Fifty Burger
Total Cost: $0.90-1.10 / burger (includes bun)
Total Burgers: 8-9 patties

Equipment:
Mixing Bowl
Grater
Non-stick Skillet

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup dry green or brown lentils, cooked (approx 2-3 cups cooked)
1/3 sweet potato, grated
1/3 onion, grated
1/4 red pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 egg
1 tsp salt 
Garlic salt, optional
Fresh pepper

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Cover 1 cup lentils with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover x 20 minutes. until tender.

3. Drain lentils and allow to cool.

4. Grate cheese, sweet potato and onion. Dice the red pepper.
5. Combine the meat, chopped and grated veggies, cheese, and egg.

6. Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, salt and pepper.

7. Mix well and form into equal patties.

8. Heat skillet with olive oil and sear patties until golden brown.

9. Put it all together and freeze the rest!

Wrap the patties in seran wrap or wax paper and store in freezer bag. 
Save for a rainy day or an empty college wallet!

Portabello Burgers 4 Jon

Totally excited to head over to the market this morning for some fresh produce and baked goods. Hoping to find some awesome meaty portobellos for the post today!

When possible, buying local and fresh, is the way to go…even for college students! Why? Local reduces transport costs and carbon footprints. Local supports farmers in your area. Local simply tastes better! As of late, my son, has become even more conscious of how our eating affects the environment--not going completely vegetarian, but certainly more conscious in his food choices--girlfriends have a way of suddenly changing your worldview, right? 

He has always loved to eat (hence this blog that provides him with all the recipes we make at home); and, interestingly, Jon has always loved foods that most kids cringe (and twist their face into ungodly shapes to) when mentioned. 

One of Jon's first requests when I started the blog was 'How Do I Make Those Mushrooms' instructions and recipe! Eat them plain, put them on burgers, add them to pasta! But, Jon also discovered the giant portobello grilled to perfection, drizzled with balsamic and topped off with feta or goat cheese! 

In light of Jon's mindful eating, I am posting this awesome, and simple version of a meatless portobello burger, topped with grilled red onions and Boursin (or Blue) cheese, and sandwiched between a toasted, buttery bun with arugula!

And yes…to all you doubters…this is one of Jon's favorite things to eat: mushrooms.
And yes…he is a college student who asked for this recipe!

(Adapted from Michael Symon's 5 Ingredients Cookbook)

Portobello Burgers

Equipment:
Grill (or grill pan)
Shallow bowl or pyrex baking dish

Ingredients:
3-4 large fresh portobello mushrooms, stem and gills removed

Mushroom Marinade:
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbls balsamic syrup (optional. If you don't have it, add a 1-2 tsp of sugar)
Lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

1 large red onion, sliced in 1/4" rounds, drizzled with olive oil, red wine vinegar
Blue Cheese or Boursin cheese
Arugula, lightly tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese
Kaiser Rolls, buttered and toasted

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. De-stem and de-gill the mushrooms. Remove all dirt with damp paper towel.
3. Combine the marinade ingredients into a shallow dish or pyrex baking dish.

4. Add your mushrooms and slather in marinade all around x 20-30 minutes or longer.

5. Marinate the red onion slices with olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon), salt & pepper.

6. Toss your arugula with olive oil, lemon, and parmesan.

7. Fire up the grill, or heat your grill pan, on MED-HIGH.
8. Sear mushrooms and onion slices 3-4 minutes per side untouched.

9. Flip the mushrooms and onion slices over for another 3 minutes.

10. Toast your buns and build this sucker high!!!

The Boursin, or Bleu Cheese, will soften and melt when everything comes together!