Freezer Meal Group - August

This month for the freezer swap a lot of people were taking a break for the month/summer so there were only four of us who swapped. Since there were only four of us, the group leader had the brilliant idea to see if we each wanted to make two different meals. Everyone was willing so when we went to exchange we each received six different meals. This month we received some great sounding meals (Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Saucy Spare Ribs, and Beef Enchiladas to name a few). If I received a recipe with the meal, I will share the recipes as we eat them. Well. . .that is my intention anyway. Sometimes the recipes get misplaced if I don't get to them before a helper does.

For my meals I made Cheddar Butter Burgers and Grilled Chicken Legs/Thighs. I have not eaten either of them but the ingredients were pretty simple so I figured they were good choices. Not to mention they are both for the grill and I have not eaten one thing off the grill all season that wasn't delicious. That is proof positive PE has some serious grilling skills. I have been trying to eat the meals I prepare before I post the recipes; however, I accidentally grabbed my unmarked meal in place of the one with directions when I left to go swap so I need to get the recipes posted in case my fellow swapper has any questions.

As noted in the Cheddar Butter Burgers recipe, the Garlic-Herb Butter makes extra. I will say it makes A LOT extra. I made one batch of the butter and it was enough for 24 burgers with a bit left over but since I had burger fingers as I was grabbing the butter slices I chose not to save the extra--I tossed it. Had I saved the extras I would have had PE put it on some steak as he was removing it from the grill--yummy! Since I had that idea I am going to make a much smaller batch of it next time we grill steaks just for that purpose.

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Cheddar Butter Burgers
adapted from Once a Month Mom
Print Recipe

1 1/2 lb ground sirloin, round or chuck
1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
6 hamburger buns

Garlic-Herb Butter (will make more than you need, save for later)
6 Tbsp mix of fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives, basil, oregano, and/or tarragon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp pepper
2 sticks butter, salted, room temperature

Place herbs, garlic, pepper and butter in bowl and beat with hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Lay a 12-inch-square piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface and mound the flavored butter in the center. Roll it up into a cylinder, twisting the ends to compact the butter. Chill the butter in the refrigerator or freezer until firm. To use, unwrap the roll and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices (approximately 1 Tablespoon). In a large bowl, hand mix ground beef, cheese, salt, and pepper. Divide into 6 equal balls. Mash into hamburger shapes. Place 1 Tablespoon of Garlic-Herb Butter in the middle of the burger and seal up. Grill or pan fry to prepare.

Freezing Instructions
Once burgers are formed, flash freeze on wax paper and a cookie sheet. When patty is firm, place in a gallon freezer bags. To serve, thaw in refrigerator over night. Grill or pan fry to prepare.

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Grilled Chicken Legs/Thighs
adapted from Food.com
Print Recipe

3 tsp sugar
3 tsp seasoning salt
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp pepper
3 tsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp olive oil
6 chicken legs/thighs

Mix all marinade ingredients in a zip top bag add chicken. Chill and marinade for at least 4 hours. Grill chicken on a well oiled grill until well browned on all sides, turning once, 30 to 40 minutes (meat near thigh bones should no longer be pink when tested with the tip of a knife).

Freezer Instructions
Once marinade and chicken is combined in freezer bag, place in freezer. To prepare, defrost in refrigerator over night then grill as directed above.

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