Earthly Eating

• Dried Tomato Filled Burgers
Serves: 12

6 slices white bread
3/4 cup drained dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs, minced and reserve the oil
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 3/4 lbs. lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
12 hamburger buns

Whirl the white brad in a food processor and pour the crumbs into a medium sized bowl and add the minced tomatoes, 6 tbs. of the reserved oil, eggs, salt and pepper. Add the ground beef and gently mix.

Divide the meat mixture into 24 portions. Shape the portions into 4 inch wide patties, in the middle of each patty make a shallow depression. Place about 2 tbs. of the cheese inside the depressions and top the cheese filled patty with a regular patty and seal the edges well. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.

Place the patties on an oiled grill and cook on medium high heat for about 6 minutes or to your liking. Toast the hamburger buns and place the cooked patties and add your garnishments such as sliced tomatoes, onions, etc.

• Grilled Banana Splits
Serves: 12

12 large ripe bananas, with skins on, before and wash to remove any germs or residue
3 bars milk chocolate, broken into small pieces
1 tbs. cinnamon
3 pts vanilla ice cream
3 cups whipped cream
3/4 cup chopped nuts
12 maraschino cherries, (optional)

Heat a gas grill over medium heat. Cut bananas lengthwise, making a deep cut into the banana but not going all the way throw, place pieces of chocolate into the banana in different places. Sprinkle with cinnamon and wrap in foil. Lay bananas on the cooking grate, cook turning once, cook about 10 minutes. Carefully unwrap each banana and place on a plate with it still in the skin. Top the bananas with ice cream and whipping toping and finish it off with nuts and a cherry.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Whole Wheat Couscous with Thyme
Serves

In a medium sauce pan on medium high heat cook the pine nuts in 1 tbs. olive oil until golden brown. Stir in 2 tsp. of thyme then add 2 1/2 cups of water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes or up to 15 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tbs. olive oil and 1 tsp. thyme fluff with a fork and serve.

Happy Eating!