Perfect End-of-Summer Recipes

It is the last weekend of summer and time for one last BBQ before we put the grills back into storage. If summer has to end we might as well make good food to send it off right. Here are some great recipes to help make the perfect Summer’s end feast!

Watermelon “CAPRESE” with Balsamic Glaze

[caption id="attachment_3485" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Photo Credit: www.skinnytaste.com[/caption] INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 red seedless watermelon, sliced 1/2 inch thick (calculated with 16 oz)
• 8 – 1 oz thin slices fresh mozzarella
• 1 loose cup baby arugula
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• kosher salt
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

DIRECTIONS Use a 4-inch star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape) and cut 16 stars out of the watermelon (about 1 oz each). Save the excess watermelon for another use. Arrange the watermelon on a platter, then layer with cheese, arugula, 1/4 tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt on each. Top with a final star, drizzle each with balsamic glaze and serve. For the full recipe click HERE.

Turkey Burgers with Orange Mustard Glaze

[caption id="attachment_3486" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Photo Credit: www.foodnetwork.com[/caption] INGREDIENTS Burgers:

• 1 tbsp coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 3 lbs ground turkey (white and dark meat)

Glaze:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers, with seeds
• 1 9 oz jar orange marmalade (with peel)
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp chili powder

DIRECTIONS Prep the burgers: Combine the salt, paprika, pepper and granulated garlic in a small bowl. Form 6 turkey patties and sprinkle on both sides with the seasoning mixture. Make the glaze: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeños and saute until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the marmalade, mustard, black pepper and chili powder and cook about 2 minutes, until fully combined. Reserve until ready to use. Preheat a grill to high. Grill the patties until nice markings are shown, about 5 minutes per side, then reduce the flame to medium and cook until well done, 12 more minutes, flipping after 5 minutes. At the same time, toast the buns on the grill. Serve the burgers on the buns; top with the glaze, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Serve with pickles. For the full recipe click HERE.

Banana Split Kebobs

[caption id="attachment_3487" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Photo Credit: www.delish.com[/caption] INGREDIENTS

• 2 bananas, cut into 1" pieces
• 24 1" pieces pineapple
• 12 large strawberries, rinsed, dried, and halved
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS Assemble the kebobs: thread two pieces of banana, pineapple, and strawberry onto skewer. Repeat process to assemble 23 more skewers. Place all on parchment-lined baking sheet. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate in microwave using 30-second intervals and stirring in between until completely smooth. Drizzle chocolate over fruit kebobs and top with chopped peanuts. Freeze until ready to serve. For the full recipe click HERE.