Salsa Verde Burgers with Fontina, Watermelon, and Basil

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been wrapped up in a certain trilogy of novels that may or may not have recently become a hit movie...

ANYWHO...

Now it's time to talk about this delightful burger:

Yeah, that's watermelon under that burger patty!

...and basil, and fontina, and salsa verde...

The mix of fruit with savory stuff makes me dance with pallet enhancing happiness!  

Bonus:

Basil

...enough said...

Salsa Verde Burger with Fontina, Watermelon, and Basil

from A Spicy Perspective

2 lbs. ground beef chuck
4-6 slices of fontina cheese4-6 buns
4-6 slices of watermelon
12 large fresh basil leaves
1 cup salsa verde
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat the grill to high heat.

2. Portion and form the hamburger patties, making an indention in the centers. Salt and pepper both sides of the patties.

3. Slice the watermelon into 1/3 inch slices. Use a biscuit cutter to cut watermelon circles.

4. Grill the hamburgers for 3-5 minutes per side. Add the fontina slices to the top of each patty 1 minutes before removing from the grill. Tent with foil to keep warm.

5. Toast the buns on the grill for 30-60 seconds, until char marks form.

6. Layer the bun with 2-3 large basil leaves, a watermelon circle, the patty with cheese, and top with a large spoonful of salsa verde.



Watermelon Feta Salad

Now that the weather has been getting so perdy, I have been craving salads and other hot weather food. Finally!! Soups and casseroles are not friendly to my booty, at least not the way I make them! I only wish that more fruits were in season right now. I swear someone got wind that I wanted a fresh peach and decided to make them impossible to find! Grrrr. 


In an effort to not waste one bit of a watermelon I purchased, I made Watermelon Feta Salad, Watermelon Kiwi Pops, and Watermelon Burgers this week. I'll tell you about the pops and burgers later. For now, it's all about salty and sweet Watermelon Feta Salad. I love the combination of strong crumbly cheeses with sweet and sour fruits. You will most definitely see more combinations like this during the upcoming months.  

Watermelon Feta Salad
from The Novice Chef


2 pounds seedless Watermelon, sliced into rounds
1 cup crumbled feta
2 large shallots, sliced
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Balsamic Glaze, for drizzling


Toss feta and sliced shallots together. Lay down a slice of watermelon. Top with the feta/shallot mixture. Add a little fresh ground pepper and a pinch of salt. Drizzle on balsamic glaze.