Seasoned Potato Packets on the Grill

Even though I may be heading back to school tomorrow, I still consider it summer.  Temperatures may also have cooled off slightly, compared to what it was a few weeks ago, but that doesn't mean I feel like standing over my stove or oven to cook (unless of course my craving for something sweet kicks in).  What this means, is that my husband and I will continue making the most of our outdoor grill.  So many wonderful possibilities of what to make!  I can't wait! 

One thing that I really enjoy as a side item though, when we cook pretty much anything on the grill, is potatoes.  Don't get me wrong, french fries are great, but sometimes I prefer roasted potatoes.  Seeing that I don't want to stand over my stove and boil water, or turn on the oven to a high temperature, I decided to try out this foil packet recipe I found.  It's so easy!  All you have to do is toss the potatoes (any kind you prefer) into the foil, place the individual packets on the grill, and allow the heat from the grill to bake the potatoes.  Not only do the potatoes turn out soft and flavorful, but everyone gets their own individual packets! 

Seasoned Potato Packets on the Grill
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Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
8 small red potatoes, diced (or potato of your choice)
1 small onion, chopped (optional)
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Dash of Lawry’s seasoning
Dash of Italian seasoning
(Feel free to add any other desired seasonings)

Directions:

Add the potatoes and onion (optional), in a medium size bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil.  Season with the salt, pepper, Lawry’s, Italian seasoning and any other spices you desire.  Stir with a wooden spoon until the potatoes are well coated.

Tear off 8-12 pieces of foil, making sure that they are large enough to wrap around ¼ of the potatoes.  Place two sheets of foil on top of each other to create a double layer, resulting in 4-6 sets of foil packets.  Spray the tops of the foil with cooking spray and start layering the potato mixture in the middle of each double-layer foil set.  Gently fold the foil over the potatoes and twist the edges to form a seal.

Turn the grill to a medium heat and place the packets directly on the heating surface for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Caution:  The steam will be very hot when you go to open the packets, so be careful!

Source: Pennies on a Platter

Cheddar Jalapeno Burgers

About a year or so ago I saw a television advertisement for Burger King's new "cheddar jalapeno burgers" and thought that they sounded and looked delicious!  Right away, I knew that I wanted to try to make them.  Unfortunately for me, this was back when I first really got into cooking.  With that being said, it should be no surprise that I wasn't satisfied with how the burgers turned out.  Naturally, I put the idea aside and completely forgot about them. 

So, time went by and the other weekend when my husband, some friends, and I decided to go camping I knew that we would need something we could easily throw onto our portable grill.  That is when the idea of the cheddar jalapeno burgers suddenly re-entered my mind.  Right away I went to work.  I dug through my cabinets looking for different types of seasonings and other ingredients I could add to help flavor the beef and the recipe that follows is what I came up with.  This time around, I am completely satisfied with the results and am glad that I decided to give it a second attempt!  These burgers are definitely scrumptious!

Cheddar Jalapeno Burgers
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Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (very small cubes)
2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
1 red hot pepper, seeded and chopped
¼ tsp. minced onion
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
¾ tsp. chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash of salt
1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs

Directions:

Combine the lean ground beef and egg in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well combined.  Add in the cheese, jalapeno, red hot pepper, minced onion, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.  Pulse the ingredients until they are all blended nicely together.  Now, add in the Panko bread crumbs, and pulse one last time until everything comes together.

Next, place the beef mixture into a bowl, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.  This will give the beef time to absorb the flavoring.  After 30 minutes, remove the beef mixture from the refrigerator and using your hands form 5 large patties. 

Place the patties onto the grill and cook until they are done.  Garnish with whatever toppings you like and enjoy!