Cajun Turkey Sliders

I have found an amazing healthy burger that will make my man slap his mama (in a good way). These are even delicious left over the next night. Ground turkey has a tendency to be a dry when cooking, but these were very moist. I felt like I was indulging in a sinful burger, but these are actually very healthy. I love the idea of mixing chopped vegetables inside. I'll definitely make these many more times in the future.
The original recipe calls for 1 pound of ground turkey made into 4 burgers (quarter-pounders), but I decided to make sliders. I used 1.25 pounds of ground turkey since that's the only way I could purchase it at my grocery store, and I was able to make 11 sliders.

Cajun Turkey Sliders
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
3 ounces white mushrooms, shredded (about 1 cup shredded)
1 egg
2 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Burger/slider buns
Burger condiments

Directions:
Preheat broiler. Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. I used a cookie rack on top of a cookie sheet since I don't have a broiler pan.

In a large bowl, mix together turkey, green pepper, mushrooms, egg, bread crumbs, ketchup, minced onion, Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Form into burgers or mini-burgers (sliders).

Place burgers on the prepared broiler pan or cookie rack on top of pan and broil for about 5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reads 160-degrees on an instant-read thermometer (or no longer pink/raw in the middle).

Make individual burgers with the condiments you like.

Source: adapted from Parents online

Sweet Cheesy Biscuits

These biscuits remind me a lot of the Jim 'N Nick's cheese biscuits. They're slightly sweet from the vanilla and sugar, but you could probably add less if  you prefer less-sweet biscuits. I like to make these to go along with soups, and it also goes will with BBQ dishes.
These are super easy to make, and clean-up is a breeze.

Sweet Cheesy Biscuits
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Bisquick
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Stir together all ingredients just until combines. Scoop into a mini muffin pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden.
Yield: About 20 mini muffins

Source: Plain Chicken

Risotto Cakes

Every time I make risotto, there is always a lot left over. I never know what to do with it, and it doesn't have the right texture when re-heated. I've been hearing of people making risotto cakes with their leftover risotto, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did because it was absolutely delicious. I made one of those just-add-water gravy mixes to drizzle on top, and we had a nice meal. I'm looking forward to making many more risotto cakes in the future and trying out different toppings. I'm thinking marinara sauce with sprinkles of fresh basil would be nice.

Risotto Cakes
Ingredients:
2 cups Risotto
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Topping of your choice (gravy, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, etc.)

Directions:
Shape risotto into 4 round patties (about 3-1/2 inches wide). Dredge in breadcrumbs.
Cook patties in hot oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve warm with desired topping(s).

Source: Southern Living June 2008 issue

Birthday Cake Bark

I apologize for my lack of posts lately. In the past 11 nights, I've only spent 2 of those nights at home. And those days were spend unpacking, doing laundry, and re-packing. Aubrey and I got a chance to visit my sister and her husband in Kansas City last weekend. We had a blast sledding in the snow, trying out new restaurants, and just spending time with family. My sister's birthday was last Saturday, so I made this birthday cake bark to help celebrate.
This bark is sinfully delicious! It's was so hard to keep from snacking on it while making it. The flavor really does resemble that of a birthday cake. It's a great twist to the original birthday cake.

Birthday Cake Bark
Ingredients:
6 ounces high quality dark chocolate
12 ounces high quality white chocolate
2-3 Tablespoons yellow cake mix
3-4 Tablespoons sprinkles of your choice

Directions:
Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour chocolate on. You can smooth it with a spatula to the thickness you desire. Stick the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler. Whisk in cake mix very slowly, stirring well until no lumps remain. Let it set for 3-5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. Remove baking sheet with chocolate from the freezer and immediately pour white chocolate on top. Sprinkle on sprinkles. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Once set, break into chunks. Keep refrigerated.

Source: How Sweet It Is
If you need other recipes to use up that cake mix, try these:
Birthday Cake Ice CreamBrownie Bottom Ice Cream Cupcakes