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.

If you are looking for locally raised beef, we have many great options here. Visit Debbie at the Charter Oaks Style Meats on Saturday in Templeton for some of the best ground beef for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for chicken, eggs, or pork, come visit DJ at the BeeWench Farm booth at the Tuesday market in Paso Robles. If you make your ownmayo, 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 lbs ground beef (Charter Oaks Style Meats)
• 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