CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

Like the Mamas and the Papas, I have been California Dreamin'.  Since my recent trip to the "most romantic city" in the world six weeks ago, I can't help but reminisce the wonderful sights and sounds of the City by the Bay.  Having reunited with former high school buddies, driven down curvaceous Seven Mile Drive along picturesque Highway One, I can't help but wonder: what am I doing in the central part of the country?  Now I'm not saying Texas is not pretty, it has an appeal of its own; but to me, nothing compares to the beauty and diversity than that of the Golden State.



My friends, Norman and Emely, were very kind as to take me to Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Carmel is a small city in Monterey County, California, approximately two hours drive from San Francisco.  As most everyone knows, Clint Eastwood became Mayor of Carmel and served a two-year term in the 1980s.  And, like most Carmel visitors, we visited "Clint Eastwood's Restaurant," Hogs Breath Inn at San Carlos and Fifth Avenue in downtown Carmel.  The truth is, Clint Eastwood and his partners don't own that restaurant anymore.  Nevertheless, I'm a sucker for a good outdoor fireplace and rustic, European decor, so we decided to eat lunch there.  I ordered the first item that caught my eye, which was the Dirty Harry Burger.  If I were a chef there, I would have added a Make My Day burger in the menu but I'm not, so I've created my own version of the Dirty Harry Burger I now call Make My Day burger.  I have incorporated our very own adobo recipe to this variation and needless to say, it came out delicious!  I have also made it healthier by mixing turkey meat to ground beef.  Here is my recipe: (Note: these measurements are "give and take," meaning you may adjust the ingredients according to your taste.)

"Make My Day" Burger

2 lbs. ground turkey
1 lb. ground beef
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
3 tbs. garlic, crushed
1 med. size onion, minced
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tsp. white sugar
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tbsp. all purpose flour

1.  In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients and form into about 12 patties.

2.  Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (85 degrees C); or

3.  Grill, turning once. 

Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms (optional) and your favorite condiments.

NOW, THIS WILL ABSOLUTELY MAKE YOUR DAY!  EAT, LAUGH, LOVE!!!