Creative burgers

Burgers are classic summer fare, but did you know there’s more to life than plain old hamburgers? We’re talking everything from salmon burgers to turkey burgers to mini burgers! Here are some tasty ideas for summer grilling.

Fresh from the sea: Most markets sell fresh or frozen salmon patties and crab cakes, making a sea-faring version of the summer burger a snap to prepare. Of course, nothing tastes better than homemade, so if you want to try making your own salmon burgers from fresh filets, here’s Paula Deen’s version. Salmon burgers cry out for tasty condiments, so try anything from tartar and remoulade sauce to aioli as a topping. Great with a glass of Pinot Grigio!

Talking turkey: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, making it a great option for a healthful burger. If you want to punch up the flavor, try adding fresh herbs and other seasonings. We especially love grilled turkey burgers served with a glass of refreshing Almaden Pinot Noir. Here’s a great recipe for spicy turkey burgers from Epicurious.

Let’s get small: Sliders – as miniature burgers are affectionately called – are so much fun because these bite-sized burgers can even work as tasty appetizers. You can make sliders using any sort of meat, poultry, seafood or even vegetable. Just form smaller burgers and use small rolls instead of traditional buns. Check out Bobby Flay’s tasty sliders with chipotle mayonnaise. Bet you can’t eat just one!