Argentine-Style Burger

While this burger won't come together quite as quickly as a basic one, the few extra touches are well worth the time. Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat makes for more integrated flavor, as well as a better consistency in the burger. The chimichurri adds intense flavor, and if there's any left over, it's perfect on grilled vegetables, steak, fish, or chicken. What we have is beyond your basic burger, but it's a keeper, especially for those times when you want something jazzy and new.

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1/2 medium-small onion)
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped garlic (from 6 to 7 medium cloves)
•  1 Tbs. finely chopped jalapeño (from 3/4 medium chile)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 lb. ground round (85% lean)
• 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 5- to 6-inch pita pockets
• Thin red onion slices (optional)
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Chimichurri Sauce

In a medium skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 min. Transfer to a medium bowl, let cool for 10 min., and then add the ground beef, cumin, oregano, cilantro, 1 tsp. salt, and several grinds of pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Shape the meat into four burgers, 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches across, working the meat as little as possible. Make a 1/4-inch dent in the center of each burger with the tips of your middle three fingers.

To pan-cook burgers:

Put a large skillet or griddle, preferably cast iron, over high heat and let it get very hot, about 2 min. (The pan is hot enough when a drop of water evaporates instantly.) Add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and tilt the pan to spread it evenly. Arrange the burgers so there’s as much space as possible between them, reduce the heat to medium high, and cook, uncovered, for 5 min. Turn and cook until the burger feels springy but not mushy when poked, about 3 min. for medium rare (or longer if you’re concerned about undercooked meat).

To grill burgers:

Charcoal: Prepare a medium-hot fire. Cook the burgers, uncovered, on one side for 5 minutes. Turn and cook until the burgers feel springy but not mushy when poked, another 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare.

Gas: Heat the grill to high. When the interior temperature is about 500°F, cook the burgers for 3 minutes with the lid closed. Turn, close the lid, and cook until the burgers feel springy but not mushy when poked, another 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare.

To serve:

Cut the top inch or so off the pitas to open up the pockets wide enough to fit the burgers. Serve the burgers in the pita with red onion and lettuce, if using, and some of the chimichurri sauce.

Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• One-half medium English cucumber
• 8 large slices pumpernickel bread, each cut into four 2-inch triangles
• 1/4 lb. thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon, cut into 16 pieces

In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche with the dill and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Peel the cucumber. Then, using the peeler, shave 16 wide strips from several sides of the cucumber (discard the seed core). In a medium bowl, toss the cucumber strips with 1/4 tsp. salt and let sit until softened, about 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.

Spread the creme fraiche generously on one side of each bread triangle (you may not use it all). Top half of the triangles with a folded cucumber strip, a curl of the salmon, and a grind of black pepper. Set the remaining bread on top and serve.

A New York Breakfast

There's something about the combination of silky smoked salmon, soft cream cheese, crunchy onion and juicy tomato that is more than the sum of its parts. In this recipe, excerpted from The Food You Crave, thinly sliced pumpernickel takes the place of the massive bagel (which is equivalent to 4 to 5 pieces of bread) for a sensible breakfast that's simple, sophisticated, modern, and classic all at once.

• 8 pieces thin pumpernickel bread (3-1/2 inches square)
• 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
• 8 oz. thinly sliced smoked slamon
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toast the bread, then spread 1-1/2 tsp. of cream cheese on top of each piece. Put a slice of smoked slamon, a couple of slices of onion, a slice or two of cucumber, and about 1 Tbs. of chopped tomato on top. Sprinkle with the chives and season with salt and pepper.

Fresh Salmon Croque Madame

A classic Croque Madame is a grilled cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top. In this version, the soft yolk becomes a delicious sauce for an open-faced sandwich of grilled salmon on a bed of Swiss chard.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small bunch Swiss chard or other leafy green, washed, dried
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2-inch-thick slices country hearth bread
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 2 Tbs. cream cheese
• 1 Tbs. capers, drained and rinsed
• Two 4-oz. salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted and soft, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool slightly.

Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Brush both sides of each slice of bread with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Place on the press, pull the top down, and cook until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Rub one side of each toasted slice with the garlic clove. Spread 1 Tbs. of cream cheese on each slice. Sprinkle with the capers.

Brush the salmon on both sides with the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on the press, pull the top down, and cook until seared and cooked to your desired degree of doneness, at least 3 minutes.

While the salmon is cooking, heat the butter in a medium skillet. Carefully crack the eggs into the skillet, taking care not to break the yolks. Sprinkle 1 tsp. water onto each egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-high heat until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft, 2 to 3 minutes.

Arrange the cooked greens on top of the cream cheese, place a salmon fillet on top of each bed of greens, and slide a fried egg on top of each piece of salmon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Caramelized Onion Cheeseburgers

Burgers just got better with the addition of tender sweet onions, melted cheese, and tangy lemon-Dijon mayonnaise.

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1-1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 lb. 85%-lean ground beef
• 4 slices Comté or Gruyère cheese
• 4 good-quality hamburger buns or rolls, split
• 12 fresh arugula leaves

Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. Alternatively, position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler to high. Line the bottom of a broiler pan with foil and lightly oil the perforated part of the pan.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper; reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and tender, 15 to 18 minutes.

Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, gently combine the beef with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Form the beef into 4 patties (3-1/2 inches in diameter) and make a deep depression in the center of each patty so the burgers keep their shape during cooking. Lightly sprinkle the patties with 3/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Grill or broil them on the prepared pan for about 4 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness. Top each burger with 1 slice of the cheese and grill or broil until melted, 30 to 60 seconds.

Toast the buns on the grill or under the broiler until golden, 30 to 60 seconds. Serve the burgers on the toasted buns with the caramelized onions, mayonnaise, and arugula.

Indian-Spiced Turkey Cheddar Burgers

These turkey burgers are unlike any you’ve
ever had—absolutely exploding with flavor and masala, thanks to the addition of curry leaves, cumin, cilantro and chiles, plus a sweet-and-spicy tomato chutney topping. The burgers are also
delicious made with ground white or dark meat chicken or ground pork.

For the chutney

• 1/3 cup canola
  or grapeseed oil
• 36 fresh or 54
  frozen curry leaves, roughly torn
• 12 dried red chiles
• 2 tsp. brown mustard
  seeds
• 2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp. ground
  turmeric
• 2 medium red onions,
  halved and thinly sliced
• 1 cup raw,
  skinned peanuts
• 3-1/2 lb.
  tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 9 oz.tomato paste (or one
  4.4-oz. tube double-concentrated tomato paste)
• 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. curry powder
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
  pepper
• 1-1/2 Tbs. kosher
  salt

For the burgers

•  2 Tbs. canola oil
• 8 fresh or 12 frozen
  curry leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground
  black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper
  flakes
• 1/2 small red onion,
  finely minced
• 1-1/4 lb.
  ground turkey (preferably dark meat or a combination of white and dark meats)
• 3/4 cup tightly
  packed shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 jalapeño, finely
  diced (seeded and veined for less heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped
  cilantro leaves
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 burger buns,
  toasted
• Raita for serving

Make the chutney

 Heat the oil with
the curry leaves, chiles, mustard seeds, and cumin over medium-high heat until
the cumin is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the turmeric and
cook until the chiles darken, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Stir in the onions and
cook until they have wilted and are opaque, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the
peanuts, cook for 3 minutes, and then add the tomatoes, tomato
paste, sugar, curry powder, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 10
minutes, stirring often, pressing the tomatoes up against the sides of the pot
to crush them.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the tomato
juices are reduced and the chutney is thick and jammy, stirring often, for 20
to 35 minutes (in the summer when tomatoes are juicy, it may take longer to
thicken; in the winter, it may happen more quickly). Taste, adding more salt if
needed.

Make the burgers

 Place 1 Tbs. of the
oil, curry leaves, cumin seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large
frying pan over medium-high heat, stirring often, and cooking until the cumin
seeds are fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

Add the onion and
cook until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Transfer the mixture to
a bowl and set aside to cool.

Place the ground
turkey in a large mixing bowl and gently knead in the remaining ingredients.
Stir in the onion mixture and form into four patties.

Wipe out the frying
pan with a paper towel/absorbent paper. Heat over medium-high for 2 minutes,
add 1 Tbs. oil, and then add the patties. Reduce the heat to medium and cook
until browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned and
the center is cooked to your preferred doneness.
Place the burgers on the toasted buns, dollop with raita and chutney, and serve.

Grilled Portobello Quesadillas

Pepper Jack cheese gives these quesadillas a spicy kick, but you can use Monterey Jack if you prefer less heat.

• 6 medium portobello caps, wiped clean with a damp towel and gills scraped out with a table knife
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 medium scallions, thinly sliced
• 4 oz. pepper Jack cheese, grated (1 cup)
• 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
• 4 10-inch flour tortillas

Prepare a medium-high (425°F to 450°F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Brush the portobellos on both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the portobellos gill side up until grill marks form on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue to grill until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Thinly slice the portobellos.

Put a tortilla in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the tortilla with half of the portobellos, scallions, and cheeses. Top with another tortilla and lightly press down with a metal spatula.

Cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Repeat, using the remaining tortillas and filling. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve.

Salmon Burgers with Herb Aïoli

Looking to change up your beef burger routine right about now? Fresh salmon makes a great burger. You'll need to remove the salmon's pin bones with small tweezers or pliers, or ask your fishmonger to remove the bones before you leave the market. Ripe tomato slices sprinkled with salt and pepper would be a colorful addition to these burgers.

• 2 small cloves garlic
• Kosher salt
• 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
• 1-1/2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 5 brioche or hamburger buns, 1 cut into large cubes, the other 4 split
• 1 lb. skinless salmon fillets, preferably wild, pin bones removed, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter

Chop the garlic. Using the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Transfer the garlic paste to a small bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, chives, dill, mustard, lemon juice, cayenne, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and salt to taste. Set the aïoli aside.


In a food processor, pulse the cubed bun into crumbs. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumbs and save the rest for another use. Pulse the salmon until coarsely chopped, about 5 pulses. Transfer the salmon to a medium bowl and stir in 3/4 cup of the aïoli, the reserved breadcrumbs, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Shape into four 1-inch-thick patties.


Heat 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When melted and hot (but not smoking or brown), add the patties and cook until they are firm and each side is crisp and golden-brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.


Meanwhile, position a rack 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. Brush it on the insides of the split buns. Put the buns on a baking sheet, butter side up, and toast under the broiler until light goldenbrown, 1 to 2 minutes.


Serve the burgers on the buns, spread with the remaining aïoli.

Quesadillas with Roasted Poblanos & Onions (Rajas)

• 2 small fresh poblano chiles
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 large white onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1-1/2 cups)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Four 8-inch flour tortillas
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 oz.)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Roast the peppers:

Turn a gas burner to high and char the poblanos directly over the flame, turning them with tongs as soon as each side becomes fully blackened, about 6 to 8 minutes per pepper. (If you don't have a gas stove, you can char poblanos similarly over a hot grill fire or lay them on a foil-lined baking sheet and char them under a hot broiler, turning them with tongs).

Immediately after roasting, put the poblanos in a bowl, cover, and set aside to steam and loosen the skins. When they're cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin off with your hands or a small paring knife. Pull out and discard the stems and seed clusters. Slice the peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips and put them in a small bowl.

 Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 150°F (or its lowest setting).

Make the rajas:

Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the poblano strips, season with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.

Make the quesadillas:

Heat 1/2 tsp. of the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add one tortilla and scatter over it a quarter of the cheese, a quarter of the poblano mixture, and a quarter of the cilantro. When the tortilla smells toasty and the bottom is browned in spots, in 1 or 2 minutes, fold it in half, pressing it with a spatula to flatten it. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with the sour cream on the side.

Grilled Portobello Quesadillas

Pepper Jack cheese gives these quesadillas a spicy kick, but you can use Monterey Jack if you prefer less heat.

• 6 medium portobello caps, wiped clean with a damp towel and gills scraped out with a table knife
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 medium scallions, thinly sliced
• 4 oz. pepper Jack cheese, grated (1 cup)
• 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
• 4 10-inch flour tortillas

Prepare a medium-high (425°F to 450°F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Brush the portobellos on both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the portobellos gill side up until grill marks form on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue to grill until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Thinly slice the portobellos.

Put a tortilla in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the tortilla with half of the portobellos, scallions, and cheeses. Top with another tortilla and lightly press down with a metal spatula.

Cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Repeat, using the remaining tortillas and filling. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve.

Open-Face Brie, Apple, and Arugula Sandwiches

This quick, easy sandwich pairs the peppery kick of arugula with sweet apples and mellow, creamy melted brie on top. A cup of hot soup turns it into a meal. 

• 8 slices rustic artisan bread (about 2-1/2 by 6 inches and 3/4 inch thick)
• 8 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 4 cups packed baby arugula
• 1 medium Fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. Brie, thinly sliced

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler to high.

Put the bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet and set under the broiler. Broil until nicely toasted, 1 to 2 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, flip the bread over, and spread 1 tsp. of the mustard evenly on each untoasted side. Top with the arugula and then the apple slices. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and then arrange the Brie slices in a single layer over the apples.

Broil just until the Brie starts to melt, 1 to 2 minutes (don’t let it melt too much or the apple will get warm and the arugula will wilt). Sprinkle with a little black pepper.

Smoky Corn Quesadillas

There’s no need to precook the corn kernels for these simple, satisfying quesadillas. As long as you use fresh corn, the raw kernels will lend a bit of juicy sweetness and a crisp crunch. The smoky flavor comes from smoked paprika.

• 1/4 cup fresh corn kernels (from half a medium ear)
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• 2 7- to 8-inch flour tortillas
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• Lime wedges and sour cream, for serving

In a medium bowl, combine the corn, Monterey Jack, cilantro, paprika, and 1/8 tsp. salt. Divide the mixture between the tortillas, scattering it over half of each; fold the tortillas in half.

Heat the oil in a heavy-duty 10-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the quesadillas and cook until browned and crisp on the bottom, about 1 minute. Flip and continue to cook until browned and crisp on the other side, 1 minute more. Let cool slightly, cut into wedges, and serve with lime wedges and sour cream.

Argentine-Style Burger

While this burger won't come together quite as quickly as a basic one, the few extra touches are well worth the time. Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat makes for more integrated flavor, as well as a better consistency in the burger. The chimichurri adds intense flavor, and if there's any left over, it's perfect on grilled vegetables, steak, fish, or chicken. What we have is beyond your basic burger, but it's a keeper, especially for those times when you want something jazzy and new.

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1/2 medium-small onion)
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped garlic (from 6 to 7 medium cloves)
•  1 Tbs. finely chopped jalapeño (from 3/4 medium chile)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 lb. ground round (85% lean)
• 1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 5- to 6-inch pita pockets
• Thin red onion slices (optional)
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Chimichurri Sauce

In a medium skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 min. Transfer to a medium bowl, let cool for 10 min., and then add the ground beef, cumin, oregano, cilantro, 1 tsp. salt, and several grinds of pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Shape the meat into four burgers, 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches across, working the meat as little as possible. Make a 1/4-inch dent in the center of each burger with the tips of your middle three fingers.

To pan-cook burgers:

Put a large skillet or griddle, preferably cast iron, over high heat and let it get very hot, about 2 min. (The pan is hot enough when a drop of water evaporates instantly.) Add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and tilt the pan to spread it evenly. Arrange the burgers so there’s as much space as possible between them, reduce the heat to medium high, and cook, uncovered, for 5 min. Turn and cook until the burger feels springy but not mushy when poked, about 3 min. for medium rare (or longer if you’re concerned about undercooked meat).

To grill burgers:

Charcoal: Prepare a medium-hot fire. Cook the burgers, uncovered, on one side for 5 minutes. Turn and cook until the burgers feel springy but not mushy when poked, another 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare.

Gas: Heat the grill to high. When the interior temperature is about 500°F, cook the burgers for 3 minutes with the lid closed. Turn, close the lid, and cook until the burgers feel springy but not mushy when poked, another 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare.

To serve:

Cut the top inch or so off the pitas to open up the pockets wide enough to fit the burgers. Serve the burgers in the pita with red onion and lettuce, if using, and some of the chimichurri sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs

At Monterrey-style Mexican restaurants these are made with fat red hot dogs and are called salchichas rojos. In Tucson, they are called Sonoran hot dogs. There are all sorts of variations, but the bacon-wrapped weiner is essential. Look for a small size bolillo or torpedo roll to keep the bread-to-meat ratio in line.

For the Salsa Verde:

• 1 lb. tomatillos, husked and washed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 fresh serrano chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 cup minced sweet onion
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• pinch of sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• sea salt

For the Hot Dogs

• 4 tsp. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Tabasco or other hot sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 all-beef wieners (fat ones work better than long ones)
• 4 slices extra-thin bacon
• 4 torpedo rolls or bolillos
• 4 Tbs. warm refried beans
• 8 Tbs. chopped avocado (or guacamole)
• 4 heaping Tbs. grated Monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• 4 Tbs. chopped onion
• 4 Tbs. chopped tomato
• 4 Tbs. Salsa Verde

Make the Salsa Verde:

Put the cleaned tomatillos in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and allow the tomatillos to soak for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and puree the tomatillos in a food processor. Add the cilantro, serranos, onion, garlic sugar, and lime juice to the food processor and pulse three or four times to combine. Season with salt to taste.

Make the Hot Dogs:

Mix the mayo, Tabasco, and lemon juice and use a funnel to put the mayo blend in a squeeze bottle. Wrap the wieners with the bacon slices so the sausage is completely covered. Cook the wieners on a comal or flat top, rolling them over until the bacon is crunchy on all sides, about 7 minutes. Cut a pocket into the buns to form a "boat" and toast them on the grill. When the wieners are cooked, divide the beans and avocado among the four rolls, spooning them inside the pocket and spreading on either side. Spread the cheese down the middle. Using tongs put one piping-hot bacon-wrapped wiener into the pocket of each roll. Top each wiener with onions and tomatoes. Spread the Salsa Verde across the top. Apply the mayo blend in squiggles across the top of the hot dog.

Grilled Vegetable Tacos with Cilantro Pesto

Zucchini and the Mexican squash called chayote make up the vegetarian filling for these soft tacos. If you can't find chayote, substitute additional zucchini and yellow squash.

For the grilled vegetables:

• 2 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 2 small yellow squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 2 medium chayote, peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 3 Tbs. sunflower or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 serrano chile, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For assembling the tacos:

• Eight 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
• 1 recipe Cilantro Pesto 
• 3/4 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese or feta (optional)
• Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Grill the vegetables:

Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire.

In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, yellow squash, and chayote. Add the oil, garlic, serrano, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper and toss gently to coat. Grill, covered, until the vegetables become tender and have grill marks on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chayote will soften but won’t become limp like the zucchini and squash.

Let the vegetables cool slightly and then slice crosswise into thin strips. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Assemble the tacos:

Spoon some of the vegetable mixture on top of each tortilla and top with a drizzle of the pesto and some crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro (if using). The filling can be warm or at room temperature.

Chicken Quesadillas with Chipotle Crema & Pico de Gallo

It’s worth seeking out a variety of Mexican cheeses for a more complex flavor; you can find them online at Igourmet.com. It’s also perfectly fine to use an equal amount of Monterey Jack.

For the chipotle crema:

• 7-oz. can chipotles en adobo
• 3/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• Kosher salt

Tip:

Crema is basically Mexican sour cream, and it’s available in most Mexican markets. Both sour cream and crème fraîche are good substitutes, though crema has a more pourable consistency.

For the filling:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack
• 1 cup grated Mexican melting cheese, such as queso quesadilla, Chihuahua, or Oaxaca
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese or queso anejo
• 1 recipe Pico de Gallo 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For assembling the quesdaillas:

• Twelve 8-inch flour tortillas
• 2-2/3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from 1 small head, quartered lengthwise)

Make the chipotle crema:

Pour the contents of the chipotles can into a blender. Rinse out the can with 2 Tbs. water and add it to the blender. Purée until smooth.

In a small bowl, whisk the crema, 2 tsp. chipotle puree, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add more chipotle puree if you want more heat. Set aside 1/4 cup of the chipotle puree for the filling and save the rest for another use (see leftover tips below).

Make the filling and assemble the quesadillas:

Heat the oven to 200°F. Heat a cast-iron griddle or a large cast-iron pan over medium heat. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the chicken, cheeses, 1-1/2 cups pico de gallo, and the 1/4 cup chipotle puree. Spread about 1/2 cup of the filling evenly over half of one of the tortillas and fold it in half. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Put as many quesadillas as you can fit in one layer on the hot griddle. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat until all the quesadillas are cooked, keeping the finished ones warm on a baking sheet in the oven. Cut each quesadilla into 3 wedges. Fan the wedges on small plates and mound a small pile of lettuce to the side of each serving. Garnish each with 2 Tbs. of the pico de gallo and 1 or 2 Tbs. of the chipotle crema.

Open-Face Steak Sandwiches with Herbed Goat Cheese and Tomatoes

Thick slices of bread, leftover grilled flank steak, tomatoes, and two cheeses add up to a delicious weeknight supper that comes together in minutes.

For the goat cheese

• 4 oz. fresh goat cheese (1/2 cup), at room temperature
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the sandwiches

• Four 1-inch-thick slices sourdough or Tuscan bread
• 1 large clove garlic, cut in half
• Olive oil for brushing and drizzling
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 lb. heirloom tomatoes, preferably different colors (about 2 small or 1 large), sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1/2 lb. leftover grilled flank steak, thinly sliced, preferably at room temperature
• 2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved

Make the herbed goat chese

In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, parsley, basil, lemon zest, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Make the sandwiches

Position a rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. Put the bread on a large baking sheet. Rub one side of each slice with the garlic halves, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast under the broiler, 1 to 2 minutes per side.


Spread equal amounts of the goat cheese on the slices of toast, oiled side up. Distribute the tomato slices among the sandwiches and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Distribute the steak among the sandwiches and drizzle with olive oil. Top each with some of the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. Broil until the sandwiches are bubbling and starting to brown, 2 to 3 minutes, lowering the rack if necessary to prevent burning. Serve.

Philly-Style Mushroom Cheesesteak

Melt the cheese right over the warm mushrooms, onions, and sliced steak in the pan by covering the skillet with a lid or foil. If you like the cheese to be browned, run the whole open-faced sandwich under the broiler.

• 1 Tbs. canola oil; more if needed
• 9 oz. New York strip steak, 1 inch thick
• 1/2 tsp. coarse salt; more to taste
• Scant 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more to taste
• 8 medium cremini or button mushrooms (5 to 6 oz. total), thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (2 to 3 oz.), thinly sliced
• 2 medium scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced on a sharp angle (about 1/4-cup)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 6 small cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), quartered
• 2 thin slices provolone or fontina cheese (about 1 oz. each)
• 2 slices bread (about 1/2-inch thick), cut from a round country loaf or other rustic loaf, lightly toasted

Heat the oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Season the steak on both sides with the salt-and pepper. Put the steak in the hot oil and sear for 3 minutes. Turn the steak and cook for another 2 minutes (it will be very rare but will cook more later). Take the skillet off the heat, transfer the steak to a cutting board, and cover loosely with foil.

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add another 1 Tbs. canola oil if the pan seems dry. Add the scallions and garlic and cook until the scallions are limp, about 1 more minute. Loosely cover the skillet and slide it off the heat.

Trim the fat from the side of the steak and cut the steak into thin (1/8- to 1/4-inch) slices. Add the steak slices, any accumulated juices, and the tomatoes to the mushrooms in the pan; season with salt and pepper and toss well. Divide into two loose piles in the skillet. Lay a cheese slice over each pile; cover the skillet to melt the cheese (briefly set the skillet over low heat, if necessary). Slide a large metal spatula under one pile of steak, mushrooms, and cheese and drape it over the toasted bread; repeat with the other pile. Serve immediately.

Pork Loin Sandwich with Mustard & Apple Butter

Use a coffee grinder dedicated to spices or a mortar and pestle to grind your whole spices. The coarse grind gives the pork a wonderfully textured crust and won’t burn the way a finely ground rub might. Roast the pork loin at night when the kitchen is cooler.

• 1 Tbs. coarsely ground cumin seeds
• 1 Tbs. coarsely ground mustard seeds
• 1 Tbs. coarsely ground coriander seeds
• 2 lb. boneless pork loin, tied 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. olive oil
• 8 slices hearty pumpernickel or other dark bread
• About 1/2 cup Apple Butter
• About 1/4 cup coarse-grain mustard

Heat the oven to 350°F. Combine the cumin, mustard, and coriander. With your hands, pat the spices all over the pork loin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork and sear it on all sides. Put the pan in the oven and roast the loin until a meat thermometer registers 145°F, 40 to 50 minutes.  (The pork will continue to cook out of the oven.) Let cool.

Cut the cooled pork loin into thin slices. For each sandwich, spread a generous amount of apple butter on one slice of the bread; spread the mustard on the other. Pile the slices of pork on one side and top with the other.

Buffalo Chicken Panini with Blue Cheese and Celery

Excerpted from the cookbook Panini Express, this sandwich is a tribute to Buffalo's favorite chicken wing recipe. If you don't have any leftover barbecued chicken, plain cooked chicken will do, especially when tossed with spicy barbecue sauce.

• 1-1/2 cups (about 8 oz.) shredded barbecued chicken
• 3 Tbs. barbecue sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbs. sour cream
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 scallion (white and light green parts), finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 Italian or ciabatta rolls
• 1 celery stalk, trimmed, tough outer strings peeled away, and thinly sliced

Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Combine the chicken and barbecue sauce, if using, in a small bowl and stir to coat.

Make the blue cheese dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, and scallion in a small bowl and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice the rolls in half and spread some blue cheese dressing on the inside of each roll. Arrange the sliced celery on the bottom halves of the rolls. Pile the chicken on top of the celery. Top each sandwich with the top half of the roll.

Put the sandwiches on the press, pull the top down, and cook until they are brown and crisp, 4 to 7 minutes, depending on how hot your machine is. Carefully remove from the press and serve immediately.

This recipe is excerpted from Panini Express by Daniel Leader and Lauren Chattman: 70 delicious sandwich recipes, hot off the press.