THE VILLAGE VOICE

"It is the Americans who have managed to crown minced beef as hamburger, and to send it round the world so that even the fussy French have taken to le boeuf hache , le hambourgaire ." ~ Julia Child ~ Memorial Day Garden Medley ____________ SUN-DRIED TOMATO BURGER SMOTHERED in CARAMELIZED ONIONS ~ Always a family favorite ___________ 3 lbs. ground beef (not extra-lean) 1 8.5 oz. (packed in oil) jar chopped & drained sun-dried tomatoes (reserve oil) 1 grated onion 3 Tbsp. dried basil 2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 Tbsp. freshly ground pepper 1/2 tsp. coarse salt 2 thinly sliced Vidalia onions 2 thinly sliced red onions 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. sugar freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 8 toasted hamburger buns Mix ground beef, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated onion, basil, cumin , reserved oil, salt & pepper in large bowl (handle gently but don't overmix ). Form into 8 patties. Cover with plastic w...

~ Dicentra 'Gold Heart' _________________ LAMB KABOBS WRAPPED in PITA ~ 'Guilt free' delicious choice for the holiday weekend ______ 1 1/2 lbs. boneless leg of Spring lamb, cut in cubes 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 2 cloves minced garlic juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon 1 tsp. coarse salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 cup plain yogurt 1 clove minced garlic 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 4-6 large pitas Tabbouleh ( Tabouli ) Place lamb in large bowl. Combine olive oil, thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and salt & pepper. Toss with lamb and marinate for several hours. Combine yogurt, garlic, thyme, oregano and lemon juice. Set aside. Thread lamb cubes on skewers. Broil or grill about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Meanwhile, toast pitas lightly on the grill until warmed. Remove lamb from skewers and place on Tabbouleh . Drizzle with yo...