Basil Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon, black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, spit and toasted
• Fresh basil
• 4 tomato slices

In a medium bowl, combine egg, onion, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, fresh basil, ketchup, salt, pepper, and garlic. Add beef; mix well. Shape beef mixture into four 3/4 inch thick patties.

Lightly coat a heavy skillet with cooking spray (or use a heavy non-stick skillet). Preheat skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add patties. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until temperature registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, turning patties once halfway through cooking. If patties brown too quickly, reduce heat to medium low. Serve patties on buns with basil leaves and tomato slices.

Yield: 4

Source: Better Homes and Garden New Cook Book