The Binder Challenge: Part 1

I get baking and cooking inspirations from everywhere.



Behold my cooking binder. This nifty tabbed folder holds recipes from every type of publication. Print-offs from Yum Sugar or Southern Living. Tear-outs from Cooking Light or the newspaper.



Hand-printed cards from Mom, and hand-printed cards of my own.



I just can't get enough.



Part of the resulting problem, though (other than what really would work better is an actual binder with ringed pages haha), is that I forget to reference this treasure trove of ideas, or the wonderful recipe books I own, when I am in the mood for a menu-change. I often select something brand-new, instead, and try that. As a result, I have accumulated a lot of recipes that have never been attempted.

This summer Winter (I wrote this draft months ago, FAIL), a goal of mine is to actually try (and then keep or discard) some of these meal ideas. And you, my friends, will hear about the failures and successes sure to follow :)

First up: I told you about the fantastic burgers we had in Ohio over the summer. So what catches my eye while flipping through, what else, the coupon pages of the Sunday paper shortly after our trip, but an ad from Dole Pineapple for Teriyaki Burgers, complete with coupons for some of the main ingredients.

Done! These tasty-sounding burgers took top precedence on my must-make list. What resulted was true fabulousness, and I had to share it here. If you associate turkey burgers with words like dry or flavorless, you won't after having this one, I promise. They are healthy, cheap on the budget, and company-worthy to serve.

This recipe? A total keeper -- it's front and center in the binder :)

Turkey Teriyaki Burgers
Enjoy with some handmade potato wedge fries or a salad.

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple slices
1/2 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
2 lbs. ground turkey or chicken
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
8 hamburger buns (or sandwich thins, if you are watching your waist!)
8 slices cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1. Drain pineapple; reserve 1/2 cup juice. Reserve 2 pineapple slices for snack or other use.
2. Stir together marinade and reserved pineapple juice in small bowl.
3. Mix together turkey, ginger, breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup teriyaki mixture. Shape into 8 patties.
4. Grill patties, brushing with remaining teriyaki mixture, until desired doneness. Place pineapple slices on grill and cook until light golden brown.
5. Serve burgers on buns with cheese and pineapple. Serve and enjoy!

To grab a printable card directly from Kikkoman, click here.