BEEF: This is a change of pace from the standard hamburger. When served with a salad made with garden fresh ingredients, it is a good meal for the summer.

BEEF & MOZARELLA BURGERS:

1 ½ -2 lbs. minced sirloin or store-bought lean ground beef                                                   

2 cups fresh bread crumbs

1 small red onion, very finely chopped                      

4 cloves garlic, crushed

½ cup finely shredded basil leaves                             

1 ¾ oz. black olives, finely chopped

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar                                             

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 slice mozzarella cheese                                

salt and pepper to taste

Put the beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, basil, olives, balsamic vinegar and egg in a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Mix ingredients well together. Cover bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

Cut mozzarella cheese into 8 pieces--roughly ¾ x 1¼ x ¼ -inch in size.

Divide beef mixture into eight portions and form each portion into a ball.  Push a piece of mozzarella into middle of each ball; then mound minced mixture around to cover the hole and flatten the ball to form a patty.

Preheat barbeque to high and oil the grill. Cook beef patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. If using store-bought ground beef, make sure patties are cooked.

Serve with a fresh green salad.