Gross, then Good

Did you know the term "Hair of the Dog" comes from an old cure for rabies, where the bitten would apply dog hair to the wound? Gross. How did that get to mean "a Bloody Mary"???

And no, I didn't drink last night.

In the effort to cook a lot more and make it healthy, I have been experimenting with the concept of very lean turkey burgers. Joe is enjoying it and has been helping out immensely. We have come up with some really tasty ones, most with a calorie count of 90-120 per serving. Eaten on romaine or butter lettuce instead of hamburger rolls saves over 150 calories, and with a topping of either salsa, roasted vegetables, or even straight up lettuce and tomato, they are a tasty, fast meal. A serving of two is practically mandatory, unless you have a higher calorie accompaniment. Am finding they are also great broken up and eaten in a whole grain pita or tortilla for lunch and are even pretty tasty in the a.m. scrambled with egg sub or whites, as there will always be leftovers when you're cooking for two.

Recipes to follow, but I've tried Greek burgers (feta, sun dried tomatoes, spinach) and what Joe and I are calling SW burgers (green chiles, black beans, corn salsa). Italian-type burgers--two forms, loosely named Caprese burgers and Canellini burgers, are next on the agenda. One will have tomato, basil, and roasted zucchini with skim milk mozzarella, the other, cannellini beans, sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach.

Thanks a couple of friends who inspired me with talk of "oniony burgers"--you know who you are.