TURKEY BURGERS WITH MARJORAM

1/4 cup grated low-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 large egg
1 tbsp olive or canola oil
1 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (amount according to taste)
1 lb ground lean turkey

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheese, green onions, bell pepper, and garlic.

In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk together the egg, oil, marjoram, salt, and pepper.  Stir the cheese/veggie mixture into the egg mixture; add the ground turkey.  Mix together well using hands and form into 4 thick patties.  Handle carefully, they will bind once they start cooking.

Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick skillet; add the oil and turn skillet to coat the bottom well.  Place the turkey patties into the skillet; do not cover.

Cook patties over medium-high heat to start then reduce the heat to medium low.  Cook about 12 - 15 minutes on the first side then turn and cook the second side another 12 - 15 minutes.

To check for doneness, cut into center of a burger.  Color should be white without any pink.

To serve, place on the bottom of a whole-grain sandwich thin.  Add lettuce, tomato, pickle, etc to suit your taste.  If you avoid breads altogether, eat on a lettuce leave or cut in half and serve wrapped in lettuce.

Yield: 4 servings

Note: File Photo