What's better than a buger? A Chipotle-Salsa Burger!

 

When I was starting my weight loss journey, I was worried about having to give up the food I love. I have to admit that high on that list was a juicy burger (thus the need for the weight loss). One of the things I loved about a great burger was the juiciness of it. Juicy and lean, I thought, didn't go together. But, after learning more about food and cooking and playing with more than a few recipes, this became one of my favorites.

Smokey, zesty, and juicy, the burger, onion and 2 tablespoons of salsa (not including bun and cheese) is only 157 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 1 of fiber. I serve it on an Arnold's Round with a slice of reduced fat cheddar. Baked fries and an empty-the-veggie-drawer chop salad rounded it all out.

On another note, Valentine's day is coming quick. Some tips for staying healthy over a holiday usually loaded with fat and sugar:

• Instead of a big box of chocolate and flowers, ask for or give a fresh fruit bouquet or basket and a couple pieces of fine chocolates.
• Get dark instead of milk chocolates, they're better for you and are said to be an aphrodisiac. 
• Plan ahead for dinner out. Check the restaurant menu online and find something you won't feel guilty about the next day.
• If you decide to go with a rich dish, ask for a to-go box when you order and put half of it away. 
• Get some activity in before you go out.
• Have a snack before you go out so that if you get stuck waiting for a table, you're not ravenous by the time the food arrives.

Let's eat!

Chipotle-Salsa Burger

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

3/4 pound lean (93 or 95 percent lean) ground beef

1/4 cup Egg Beaters or other egg substitute

3 tablespoons Panko or other bread crumb

2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 slices red onion

8 tablespoons salsa

4 Arnolds Rounds or other multi-grain bun

Directions:

Combine first six ingredients in a large bowl, shape into four patties.

Heat a skillet sprayed with non-stick over medium-high heat. Cook burgers until done (160F internal temperature) about 5 minutes a side.

Top with cheese (if desired), one onion slice and two tablespoons salsa.

Deal of the day: You can't get much further down the spectrum from a burger than Julia Childs' Mastering the Art of French Cooking, but Amazon has the hardback reduced to below the paperback price! If you loved Julie and Julia as much as I did and wanted to get the cookbook that started it all, now's your chance.