Maple Glazed Turkey Burgers and Turnip Fries

Spring is in the air and there are oh so many lovely things to do outside...including my all-time favorite way to cook...GRILLING!  In this recipe, you will find an absolutely smashing alternative to your basic burger and fries.  The fries are baked and the burgers are full of veggies, so it will not result in a fat booty either.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  To quote Freddie Mercury, "fat bottomed girls, you make the rockin' world go round!"

Here's what you need for the burgers:

• 1 lb ground turkey (in the store, they usually have a variety of "fat contents."  You're grilling, so much of the fat will drip out, but I tend to use 7% fat.  Ground turkey breast is less fatty, but more expensive)
•  1/2 cup corn, frozen or fresh will do
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbs olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• Buns

1. Combine all ingredients above except the maple syrup.  And the buns, duh.
2. Form burgers into patties (this will make 5-6 decent sized burgers)
3. Brush one side of patties with maple syrup.  Grill burgers syrup-side down.
4. When burgers are well charred and ready to be flipped, brush burgers and flip again.
5. Serve on toasted buns with fresh spinach, tomato, and horseradish-style mustard.

Here's what you need for the turnip fries:

•  4-6 medium sized turnips, the amount you make will depend on how many people you are feeding.  You can assume an average eater with eat about 1.5-2 turnips worth of fries.
• 1/4 cup peanut oil, most oils will work here, but peanut oil is notoriously good for fries
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2.Peel the turnips and cut into french-fry sized strips
3. In a large bowl, toss strips oil
5. Add strips to a large zip-lock type bag
6. Add bread crumbs and parmesan to the bag.  Seal the bag and shake (remember the shake 'n bake commercials?)
7. Add coated strips to a large baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly brown.
8. Turn broiler to high heat and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for additional crispness.

Wah-la!  You have burgers and fries that you can feel good about!  And (good news) it tastes pretty awesome too!