Easy, Healthy Burgers and Sandwiches

Around this time every year, I get spring fever. The snow and cold get painfully old. I can almost smell spring in the air. It's lighter out in the mornings and when I get home from work. I also long for grilling out.

That doesn't mean we can't make and enjoy our favorite 'summery' foods. We did after all get a George Forman as a wedding gift....

Turkey Burgers with Avocado
serves 4

I buy Jennie-O Turkey Burgers
Slice up avocado
Top with pepper jack cheese

served with Alexia Sweet Potato fries and pasta.

Ground Beef Burger with Mushrooms and Zucchini
(note: grass fed beef is better...less hormones)
serves 4

Grill meat
In a pan heat olive oil. Slice up yellow squash, zucchini and mushrooms until soft.
Place on top of burger and on the side
I also paired with Alexia Oven Red's potatoes

Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich
serves 4
(found in Women's Health - March 2011)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (organic....no hormones)
4 pineapple slices (1/2-inch thick)
1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices
Teriyaki sauce
4 slices pepper jack
whole wheat buns

Combine chicken and enough teriyaki sauce to cover it in a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the fridge for up to 12 hours.

Heat grill. Remove chicken and place on grill (cooking for 4-5 minutes). flip and immediately add cheese to each breast. Continue cooking until cheese is melted and chicken is lightly charred. Removed from grill.

Add pineapple and buns to grill. Cook rolls until lightly toasted and pineapple slices until they're soft and caramelized, about two minutes per side. Top each roll with chicken, pineapple, red onion and jalapeno.

Karl's reaction - "Yum, yum! Just don't give me any jalapenos."