The Ultimate Berry Trifle

"This is a showstopping dessert that practically makes itself." Those are the words used to introduce this dessert in Tyler Florence's cookbook, Tyler's Ultimate (a gem in my cookbook collection), setting the reader's expectations for a treat that is unforgettable.  And from the first time I made it years ago until now, I can attest that it's no exaggeration of terms.

My enthusiasm for this dessert, first and foremost, and as it is with all the recipes I return to again and again, is its absolute scrumptious taste.  Like in the mouth-watering, can't wait to take another bite kind.  A mixed berry trifle, it showcases three of Summer's star berries at their peak, and combined with luscious cake and lemon cream, every bite is a mingling of sweet and slightly tart flavors that sing in your mouth.  And I'm not exaggerating.

Another reason this dessert is so stellar is because of the ease with which it comes together.  Trifles lend themselves to an assembly of ingredients, without any heavy lifting.  And when it comes to producing a showstopping dessert, that's rare (and golden).  

Macerating the berries with a little sugar and lemon juice and whipping up sweetened cream and combining with lemon curd to make a scrumptious lemon cream is as complicated as it gets.  So, not complicated at all, really.  The result is a beautiful, layered medley of cream, cake and berries--the ultimate in good eats. 

Happy Eating!

Recipe: The Ultimate Berry Trifle

The Best Turkey Burger

I love when food speaks for itself.  

I recall one 4th of July family BBQ at my mom's house.  As is our tradition, everyone contributed a dish or two to the menu to round out the eats, and I offered to make the burgers--my turkey burgers.  Well, let's just say it was the first time my family had tasted them and the oohs and aahhs were literally nonstop.  I loved that everyone was enjoying them so much and felt as if my previously hidden secret (aka recipe) was now exposed and destined to become a family treasure.  That day, like many before and since, my burgers spoke for themselves.

With Summer in full gear and the 4th of July, America's Independence Day, once again on the horizon, I want to pass along the goodness that is my turkey burger recipe.  The best turkey burger, if I may be so bold!  The key to its undeniable goodness lies in a few, simple ingredients that yield a moist, boldly flavored and decadent burger.

The next time you're looking to indulge in a good great burger, you must make this your go-to recipe.  After all, you deserve the best.

Happy Eating!

The Best Turkey Burger

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

Kosher salt

1 tablespoon of favorite steak or poultry seasoning blend

2 tablespoons steak sauce

Method:

Preheat grill or grill pan.

Add turkey to a large bowl and sprinkle modestly with salt.  Toss in onion, garlic, seasoning blend and steak sauce.  Mix until ingredients are combined, being careful not to over work the mixture.  

With your hand, score the mixture in half vertically, then again horizontally, to create four equally divided sections.  Form each section into a burger patty.

Grill burgers to complete doneness (raw poultry must be cooked through.)  Remove from grill, serve with favorite condiments and toppings and enjoy!

Cook's Note:  While turkey is my protein of choice more often than not, this recipe will sing beautifully with chicken, beef, bison or pork.