The Lake Effect

{Burgers with skillet brussel sprouts and watermelon feta salad}

I have such fond memories of being very small and seeing my father and his siblings grilling out at the lake in the summer. I just remember everyone laughing and cracking jokes while all of us kids were swimming. We would spend the entire day in our suits and fall asleep in the shade with our tummies filled with good food. I think that's why when the choice was mine I purchased a charcoal grill for myself. Even though later in life my father moved on to a much larger gas grill, I still love watching the charcoal flame turn the briquettes grey. It just instantly takes me back in time. This July 4th I celebrated with my family, and I wanted to have some of that same feeling but with an updated menu that was healthy and left a little room for dessert.

2 lbs of lean ground meat and 1/4 cup worcheshire sauce

mix well and shape into patties

( I was worried mine would fall apart because I remembered that making my dad super angry but they were fine)

Cut up 1/2 a watermelon and a package of grape tomatoes

Squeeze on it the juice of one lime

Add feta cheese (amount is up to you)

salt and pepper to taste

drizzle with some virgin olive oil (1/4 cup)

mix well and chill until served

I baked mine in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees

I used a package of frozen brussel sprouts

sea salt and pepper to taste

cook until a little brown 

The relish is about 1/4 of the package of grape tomatoes diced

a 1/2 cup of mayo

a 1/4 cup of mustard