Recipe: Turkey Apple Burgers with Blue Cheese

TURKEY APPLE BURGERS WITH BLUE CHEESE

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
4 warmed hamburger buns
Optional garnishes:
sliced tomatoes, butter lettuce leaves, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise

If the applesauce is very watery, place it in a fine-mesh strainer and allow to drain for a few minutes.

Place turkey, breadcrumbs, thyme, salt and pepper and blue cheese in a medium bowl. Add applesauce, when it's ready, then gently mix until the ingredients are just combined, preferably with your hands. Separate into 4 equal pieces and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick.

Place a lightly oiled grill pan, cast-iron pan or nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Place in the buns and serve with the garnishes.

TIP: To prevent the patties from getting rubbery, don't mix the turkey too much when incorporating the ingredients.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Tara Duggan to the San Francisco Chronicle: The Working Cook, October 29, 2008