I’m always on the lookout for a good burger recipe that uses proteins other than beef. I was sent the following recipe for a turkey burger with a kick, and since it’s by Ariane Duarte, Executive Chef of award-winning CulinAriane restaurant in Montclair, NJ and finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Chef Duarte has the following tip for this burger: “I created this recipe using Finlandia cheese due to the incredible robust flavor and great melting quality”.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 or 2 jalapeño peppers, small dice (depending on how much heat you like)
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1 small onion, diced
• Salt & pepper
• 12 slices Finlandia Swiss or Light Swiss Cheese
• 6 burger buns of your choice

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Divide equally into 6 balls. Form into patties.
2. Grill on high heat for four minutes on one side, then flip and cook three to four minutes on the second sider.
3. Add two slices of Finlandia Swiss and allow to melt.
4. Place the cheesy patties on then bun and serve with preferred condiments.

Serves 6.

Finlandia cheeses are available in the deli department of local supermarket chains and at high-quality neighborhood delis.