Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Turkey Burgers

Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Turkey Burger

In North Carolina we have a very long grilling season and by the time August rolls around, the same old hot dog or burger can get tiring.  With football season right around the corner, there is plenty of grilling time left and here is one way to switch it up while taking advantage of the health benefits of grilling with a leaner white meat without losing the grilled burger flavor.  Here is what you will need.


1 lb of ground turkey
3/4 cup of Italian Style breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons of ketchup
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 jar roasted red peppers in oil
1 bag pre-washed spinach
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 tsp honey Dijon mustard
6 hamburger rolls


Keep in mind we are cooking here, not baking, so the amounts shown are just a guideline and can be altered to taste.
In a bowl, combine turkey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.  The breadcrumbs will act as a binding agent here so if the burgers seem too moist add more breadcrumbs so that they don't fall apart on the grill.  If the burger holds its form, you are usually in good shape.  Once evenly combined, separate into 4-6 patties depending on how large you like your burgers.  4 patties will yield quarter pound burgers, 6 patties a little less.
Meanwhile mince the garlic and combine with the olive oil in a sautee pan over medium heat.  Add spinach and heat until cooked down and wilted.  Set aside.
Grill your burgers over medium heat until done about 10 minutes depending on grilling power.  Just before burgers finish, top with the roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese.  Grill until cheese is melted.  Once on the bun, top with sauteed spinach and honey mustard and serve with your favorite summertime fruit.


Photos available at www.ryanellisphotography.com

Hanging Rock State Park

The summit of Hanging Rock

If you are looking for something different to do this weekend and don't want to spend a lot of money, consider taking a drive out to Hanging Rock State Park located in the picturesque town of Danbury in Stokes County, North Carolina.  Located less than an hour north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock is easily accessible from the Piedmont Triad region of north carolina, 2 hours north of Charlotte and about 2.5 hours northwest of Raleigh and the Research Triangle.

The Upper Cascades at Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock has a lot to offer for everyone from families with small children looking to spend some quality time together to the outdoor adventurist in search of a good workout.  There are a range of hiking trails available from the very short and very easy, to long difficult trails meant for more experienced hikers.  Most recommended is Hanging Rock trail, which winds its way 1.2 miles one way to the top of the escarpment that gives the park its name.  Listed as a moderate trail, this hike gives great rewards to those who make it to the top and requires no special climbing equipment other than a good pair of walking shoes.  Climbing 2,579 feet above sea level yields great views of downtown Winston-Salem to the southeast and even as far as Greensboro on a clear day.  To the west the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are majestically laid out before you.  If you are worried about the 2,500 foot climb, the trailhead actually starts at about 800 feet, cutting down the workload to about 1,700 feet.  If shorter hikes are more your style, the Upper and Lower Cascades trails offer breathtaking views of several waterfalls, which can even be accessed for a quick dip in the refreshingly cool waters.

Visitors Center at Hanging Rock State Park

In addition to hiking, Hanging Rock State Park also has a decent sized lake for boating and swimming as well as cabins and a camp ground (permit required).  Picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park for your enjoyment.  As far as facilities go, Hanging Rock State Park is very well maintained with its centerpiece being the main visitors center in the middle of the park.  Here you will find helpful park staff with all the information you need to have a great time in the park as well as water fountains and spotless restrooms, which can sometimes be a rarity at state parks.
On your way to or from the park, be sure to check out the quaint and charming town of Danbury.  The Danbury General Store offers all of your equipment needs, a grocery store and restaurant as well as a launching place for a river tubing adventure on the Dan River.  More pictures of my adventure at Hanging Rock State Park can be found on my website at
www.ryanellisphotography.com/North-Carolina/HangingRock


For more information on Hanging Rock State Park please visit...
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/haro/main.php


...and for the Danbury General Store
www.danburygeneralstore.com

Where are we Going?

Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Duke University - Durham, N.C.

Excuse me if I rush through the ever awkward first introductory post. I am not going to drone on about my life and why I feel I am qualified to speak on the subject material presented here. Suffice it to say that I am in search of the simple things in life that make me happy. For me this includes fresh foods, slowly prepared and slowly eaten, great venues to enjoy them in, and the people who make it all possible. Through words and photographs we will explore the unique experiences that life has to offer on Tobacco Road and beyond.