Zippy Chicken Burgers

I'm not the hugest fan of ground turkey. It has a tendency to be on the dry side I think. I use it, but prefer chicken. Of course I have never seen ground chicken at the store, so I figured "why not make my own"? I love love love chicken burgers! Especially when there is tons of  flavor!


Burger ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
1- 7 oz can drained diced green chilies
1/2 white onion
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin
2-4 cloves garlic

Sauce ingredients

2 avocado
juice of 1/2 lime
dash of salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
chopped cilantro to taste

Directions

Place chicken in a food processor and grind. Add in the remaining burger ingredients and chop until chicken is fully ground and onions and garlic are fully chopped. Make into patties. Cook in a cast iron skillet  over md/high for 4 min per side or until browned. Move skillet to pre heated 400 degree oven to finish cooking. About 10 minutes. While the burgers are in the oven mash avocado, lime, salt, chili powder and cilantro together in a bowl. Serve on whole wheat buns or pita with avocado sauce, onion, lettuce or whatever toppings you would like!

Quinoa and veggie bites

Ok, don't chastise me for being MIA for so long. My house has been the land of crazy for the past month at least and I am sure will continue to be that way. However, I actually have some time today! (If you can believe that!) I have a feeling I will be posting about 5 recipes today if my kids stay asleep long enough. This first recipe (The quinoa bites) my friend Ashley gave me the recipe for and I have made it about a million times and a million different ways since she hooked me up. It is so versatile! You can make this with any veggie that floats your boat, or with either type of quiona as well! I have made these for a snack and I have made em for a meal. I eat em hot and cold, in a house and with a mouse.....oh sorry, started to get a little Dr. Seuss goin there.. Anyhow, I highly recommend these protein, vitamin and fiber packed bites! Seriously....gotta try em!

Ingredients

2 C cooked quinoa ~alternative: red quiona
3 large eggs

2 1/2 C grated veggies (I use carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and spinach)
3 finely chopped green onions
2 cloves crushed garlic ~alternative: I love garlic so I use an entire head sometimes!
1/4 C chopped cilantro
1/2 C shredded Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs Whole Wheat flour ~alternative: rolled oats
1/2 tsp seasoning salt ~alternative: sea salt and cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

I use my food processor to grate all veggies then in a large mixing bowl mix everything together well. Now, the recipe I had said to bake in mini muffin tins. I did this the first time and had a heck of a time trying to get them out in one piece AND you had to grease the tin. After that first experience I got creative. I use (and highly suggest using) a large cookie dough scoop. You know, the ones that look like little ice cream dippers? They work like a charm! Just scoop em right onto an UNgreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.