A Conscious Feast by Nicole Aloni

Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Mayonnaise Recipe

photo Manny Rodriguez

I thought I’d help you kick off the winter holidays with some great resources for ordering your organic Thanksgiving turkey and a casual recipe for the bird of the season.

First, you might want to read this comprehensive article from Sustainable Table about the difference between conventional, grocery store turkeys and heritage or organic birds. Once you’ve got the big picture, you can place an order with one of the businesses below.

Heritage and/or organic, pastured whole turkeys and turkey meat are available online from these folks (among many others):  Lobel’s, Diestel Turkey Ranch, Shelton’s, From the Farm,  and Williams-Sonoma.

If you live in a city, you can probably find them at retailers like the PCC Markets in Seattle, Whole Foods, Central Market (Texas), and many more . Growers at many farmers markets will also be offering their free range or heritage turkeys. Please send me the names of any stores you know will be carrying them near you.

Next week, after you’ve made arrangements to get one of these great turkeys, I’ll post my mother’s/grandmother’s turkey, dressing, and super-easy gravy recipes.

Turkey Burger Recipe

Today, here’s my favorite turkey burger recipe. In fact, this is my favorite burger—period. I love these for casual parties or just family dinner. In this recipe, the addition of Dijon mustard and egg white creates a remarkably tender, moist, and juicy burger. Use organic ground turkey meat labeled as containing 10% fat (or more). Ground chicken can be substituted for the turkey with excellent results.

EASE OF PREPARATION: A snap

BEVERAGE TO ACCOMPANY: Chardonnay or a dry rosé

Makes eight 1/4-inch burgers

CRANBERRY MAYONNAISE

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

TURKEY BURGERS

• 2 pounds ground organic turkey, 10% fat (or more)
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cups Panko or fine breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cups chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• hamburger buns or your favorite roll, toasted

TO MAKE THE CRANBERRY MAYONNAISE:

1. Combine the mayonnaise and the cranberry sauce in a small bowl. Chill in the refrigerator until ready for use.

Preheat the grill to medium-high.

TO MAKE THE BURGERS:

2. Gently mix together all of the burger ingredients in a large bowl. Form into patties and cook on a well-oiled hot grill or in a hot skillet for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the meat is fully cooked. After turning, place the cheese on the top of the burger to melt.
3. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.