Locally made backyard barbeque

Another wonderful and easy snack in the summer heat is watermelon. I love to have it cut up and available in the fridge and I’ve also frozen some pieces for a refreshing treat. It’s perfect for teething babies and kids who need to cool off from playing outside. The cucumber watermelon salad is so refreshing in the summer and can be served alongside anything you are grilling up or take it along as a snack, lunch, or delicious potluck side.

If you have only ever eaten the frozen beef patties at your barbecues, you’re in for a treat if you try this burger recipe. Our favorite toppings are juicy tomatoes, cheese, sauteed mushrooms, onions, and lettuce. Personally, I love a pineapple ring that is barbecued on mine. I also love some homemade mayo and the dill Dijon mustard from Olivas de Oro to top them off. If you like heat, try the Spicy Fromage Blanc from Stepladder Creamery as a spread on your burger or dip for your veggies.

We are so lucky to have amazing, locally raised meats here and available at the markets. If you are looking for locally raised beef, Molnar Cattle is just the best. They raise their beef by the beach right here in Cayucos and their cattle are grass-fed. They are our source for the best ground beef and more. If you’re looking for chicken, eggs, or pork, comevisit DJ at the BeeWench Farm booth at the Tuesday market in Paso Robles. If you make your own mayo, having quality, pasture-raised eggs is very important. By supporting your local farmers and ranchers, you support local farm families that are striving to provide you with the best and healthiest meats.

If you are looking for in season produce to nourish you and your family, here are some things available at the markets right now:

Fruits:

• Strawberries
• Melons
• Figs
• Peaches
• Raspberries
• Nectarines
• Plums

Vegetables:

• Artichokes
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Green Beans
• Peas
• Peppers
• Summer Squash
• Tomatoes

The Best Backyard BBQ Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (Molnar Cattle)
• ½ cup crushed up tortilla chips (sub gluten free crackers or chips)
• 1 egg (sub with flax egg if needed)
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper