Father's Day Burgers

Father's Day was a yummy feast of food.  My mom found this recipe for Smoked Brisket Burgers with Spicy Onion Jam. We figured that we would embark on a smoking expedition together, since we have never before smoked meats. And this would be a unique way to start.

To go with it, we had pickled beets and I made pasta with sugar snap peas and a basil and mint pesto.  I have to say that I was not impressed with the burgers. They came out very dry, no matter how much ketchup I put on them.

Oh well, better luck next time.

 On a side note, the onion jam was very good. Mostly like caramelized onions. I plan to stuff the leftover jam in some chicken breasts later this week. Yummy!!

Basil and Mint Pesto

makes about 1 cup

1/4 c chopped walnuts

1 c packed basil 

1/2 c packed mint

4 garlic cloves

1/2 c Parmigiano Reggiano

1/2 tsp salt

squeeze of lemon juice

1/2 c olive oil

Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan for about 5 minutes, just long enough to release the oils. Let cool for a few minutes.

Put the basil, mint, garlic, walnuts, cheese, salt and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine ingredients and scrape down bowl. With the food processor running drizzle in the olive oil in a slow and steady stream. 

Pour over cooked pasta with peas and place in the refrigerator to cool for about an hour before serving.