Party-Sense

Summer is finally here and if you’re from the Midwest like me that in itself is reason enough to celebrate. With downright inhospitable weather for a minimum of half the year, warmer temperatures mean three things to me: food, fun and friends!

I love to entertain, and not just because I come from a background of doing so. Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, are only a few reasons to fire up the barbie. We usually host or attend some sort of backyard barbeque at least every other week during the summer. This leads me to the purpose of this post – to give you a few great ideas to use at your next backyard barbeque. I don’t know how many get-togethers I’ve gone to and been served a “typical” meal: hamburger, potato salad, baked beans, etc. Let’s think out of the box next time, shall we.

While your typical grilled hamburger might be satisfying once or twice during the summer, chances are you will be served one at least a dozen or more times, leaving your taste buds a bit bored. Try to spice things up a bit by incorporating seasonings, herbs, vegetables, or even dried fruit right into the patty before tossing it on the grill. One of my favorite burger recipes below is always a great hit when we host a party. A few of my guests have scoffed at the thought of dried fruit…until they tried it. And, the best part, you can leave those yucky looking catsup and mustard bottles in the fridge. Red leaf lettuce and a slice of juicy tomato is all that is needed to complement the complex flavors in this not your everyday burger.

Rock The Kasbah Burgers


2 lb. ground beef
2 2.25 oz. bags Pine Nuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cups chopped fresh cilantro

Place all ingredients in large bowl and mix by hand until well combined. Shape mixture into 8 large patties and grill approximately 4 minutes per side over high heat until done. Top burgers with red leaf lettuce and tomato and serve on Kaiser buns.


This recipe serves 8 people, but you can reduce or increase it as needed depending on the size of your gathering. I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to send me your reviews and any of your home entertaining questions to christine@party-sense.com.
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