Great Earth News & Events

Summer Grilling

added May 17, 2012

Remember last weekend, we had a very nice couple of days? It was a welcoming of what is to come. We opened all the windows in the house in hope of airing out the long winter and the grilling season officially started.
Over the years we have experimented with different recipes in the hope of creating the best burger ever.  We've  tried lamb, grass-fed beef, portobello mushrooms, turkey and black bean patties. But where we're able to truly elevate our burger is in the choice of the topping.  Roasted peppers and onions, feta and blue cheese, savory and sweet relishes and spiked mayo.
We haven't discovered the ultimate burger topping, but we have enjoyed the search and are looking forward to another grilling season of tasting. If you are on a quest to build a better burger, here is one of my favorites.
 
BIG BLUE WITH CHERRY MUSTARD
1/2 cups of finely chopped pitted fresh cherries (approx 8)
6 TB whole grain or Dijon mustard
2 tsp canola oil
1 red onion
1 1/2 lb of hamburger
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
whole wheat hamburger buns
lettuce
1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbs
 
Combine cherries and mustard. Brush oil on onions, season burger and onions with salt and pepper. Grill all, flipping only once, until onions are tender and burgers are cooked (approximately 10 to 15 min.) Spread mustard on buns and top with lettuce, onions and blue cheese.
 
We have other great new topping to try this summer. Do you like to shake up the standard condiment rundown?  Share your best dressed burger on Facebook by june 30 and you could win a $25 Great Earth gift certificate.

Pickled Perfection

added May 09, 2012

Boat Street Pickles of Seattle isn't afraid to brine anything--fruits as well as vegetables. One of our favorites is the Black Mission figs. They are pickled in a sweet syrup of red wine, cane sugar, balsamic vinegar, rosemary and sea salt. Try paring with grilled steak and rosemary roasted potatoes or fresh goat cheeses. Serve them alongside a blue cheese tart and fresh salad greens. Take a jar home today!