Warm White Bean and Steak Salad

I saw this recipe on Mexican Made Easy on the Food Network. (Get it here.) It was a really yummy, quick and light (even though there was steak involved). The only thing I did different was to actually warm the beans in a small saute pan on the stove before putting them in a bowl with the other salad ingredients. Just a note - the rinsing and draining of the beans is super important - it cleans a lot of the excess starch and salt off the beans. We also got to use the cast iron pan again for the steak. No steak photos but here are the beans...

Southwest Turkey Burgers

I made these yummy red-meat alternative burgers over the weekend using lean ground turkey breast. I topped whole-wheat buns with the turkey burger patty, mixed Mexican cheeses and a couple of slivers of avocado. We served with them Alexia Sweet Potato Fries (love!) and had great supper cooked on our new cast iron skillet courtesy of Nick and Erica. Thanks guys!

Southwest Turkey Burgers
1.25 pounds ground lean turkey breast
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 egg white

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until incorporated (I use a fork... it easily breaks up the meat and mixes the seasonings in well). Form into 4-6 patties... we made 5 this time. Cook about 5 minutes per side on medium heat or until cooked through. Place patty on warm bun, top with cheese and avocado. This could also be served wrapped in a tortilla!

Other topping ideas: corn or black bean salsa, pepper jack cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, chipotle mayo

On another note... we are pretty excited about the cast iron pan! There are so many things you can make in them! And it can be used on the stove for indoor grilling, in the oven or on the grill... really versatile.

Bishops Arts District Play Day

Mike's two sisters and mom came into town to celebrate with us at our couples shower. The next day we took them to the Bishops Arts District, show them some local sites and do some shopping!