Summer is the perfect time to do some meal planning and freeze ahead meals.  Here is a really easy and tasty burger recipe. The recipe is big enough to enjoy at a meal and have enough extra for freezing.  The cherries are perfect for turkey and make it a juicy and hearty burger.

Click here to watch the June 27, 2014 Twin Cities Live segment when I made this recipe.

Click here to find out more about the meal exchange I organize.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Ground Turkey

½ tsp Lemon Pepper

1 tsp Garlic Salt

10 Mint Leaves (finely chopped)

1 small Lemon (zest)

2 TB Brown Sugar

1 lb. Rainier Cherries (pitted and chopped)

2 Eggs

2 cups Brown Rice (cooked)

1 cup Panko Italian Style Bread Crumbs

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine turkey, lemon pepper, garlic salt, mint, lemon zest and brown sugar.  Add chopped cherries and eggs and mix.  Then add cooked brown rice and panko crumbs.

Form into ½ cup patties. Makes 12 burgers.

Cook on Foreman Grill for 4-5 minutes. If using an outdoor grill, cook about 5 minutes on each side.

Options for freezing and notes:

• Prepare burger recipe.
• Line a jelly roll pan (rimmed cookie sheet) with parchment paper.
• Make room in your freezer for a cookie sheet.
• Cut parchment paper into 6×6 inch squares (you need two for each burger)
• On the cookie sheet, set one piece of parchment square and then ½ cup scoop of burger mix.
• Place another piece of parchment square on top, press down burger. Repeat until all burgers are made.  Place cookie sheet with burgers in the freezer.
• Once frozen, place parchment paper packs of burgers and place in freezer bag. For longer storage, wrap each parchment pack in plastic wrap and then place in freezer bag.
• For best taste and freshness eat frozen burgers within 3 months.