Jalapeno Turkey Burgers - Recipe

Lately I feel like I've been in a cooking rut and have been trying out lots of new recipes to add a few new favorites to our rotation. The other weekend I decided to pick up some ground turkey and give it another go. It has been at least 2 years since I've had it and for good reason.

Before I got pregnant with Aiden we had turkey burgers all the time. Once pregnant, I could not stand the sight or smell of ground turkey whatsoever. The moment I smelled it, I was a gagging mess. One day in early pregnancy I started cooking it, I had to vacate the house and have Ryan take care of it because my aversion was so terrible. I became a red meat devouring animal during pregnancy. The aversion was so bad that it took me this long to even think about trying it again, but I'm so glad to say that we're over that mess. 

Anyways...I'm finally able to eat it again so now we have a new option for some quick and healthy weeknight meals. I made these jalapeno turkey burgers the other night and they were awesome. They're a great option for those evenings that you are time crunched, but want to still eat healthy.

My homemade buns came out HUGE for some reason, The burgers really aren't small. ;)

Jalapeno Turkey Burgers
(adapted from this recipe)

Ingredients: 

1.25 pounds ground turkey
1 small onion (about 3/4 cup), diced
1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 jalapeno (seeds removed), finely diced
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
Heavy splash of lime juice

Optional ingredients:
Hamburger buns
Avocado
Cheese (we love pepperjack on these)
Lettuce
Tomatoes

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking pan.
2. Mix all ingredients in large bowl. 
3. Form into 4-5 patties.
4. Bake 30 minutes, turning once. Bake until you reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Top each patty with cheese the last few minutes of baking.
5. Top with condiments and toppings. Enjoy!

It's almost running season! Time to start planning.

The sun is out, the temps are finally out of the teens, and the snow will hopefully be melting soon. I feel like this winter has been the absolute longest winter yet. The bitter cold temps made it nearly impossible to leave the house and spend any time outside, especially with a toddler. I'm ready to get out of this house and have had the worst case of cabin fever ever.

The warmer temperatures and bright sun have me itching to get out and run. I've ran on and off through the winter when temps were above 20 degrees, but it's tough getting out often since I do most of my running in the later evenings or with a jogging stroller. So for the last few months it's been a ton of yoga, HIIT and kickboxing.

Pretty, but over it!

I won't miss this!

Now that it's spring, I've been busy making some race season goals and plans:

• Run one race a month
• Run a half marathon 
• Increase overall speed (would love an under 25 minute 5k)

I like the idea of having a race every single month (starting in April) because it will keep me motivated and having something to look forward to is always a bonus. I'm planning on having a mix between some 5k's, 10k's, a 20k and the half marathon. I'm aiming to run the half marathon by late June to mid July. 

  

The race lineup so far: 

Tri to Finish Cinco de Mayo 10k in Flint (May)

Fenton Tiger Run 5k in Fenton (May)

Volkslaufe 20k in Frankenmuth (July)
Crim 10 mile in Flint (August - one of my favorites!)

My half marathon is still undecided, so if you have any recommendations for an awesome first half marathon in Michigan, let me know. I'm also looking for some recommended training plans too. The longest distance race I've ran was the CRIM (10 miles) last August and I prepped for that by just running a lot, without any real plan. I'd like to have a more structured plan for the half marathon.

I was thankful enough to be able to get a few walks in this week with the kiddo. We both enjoyed the fresh air and warm sunlight.

We love our Ergo baby carrier! New moms...this is a must have!

Loving the sunlight! 

Next weeks temperatures are expected to be in the mid 40's! You can bet that I'll be out there ASAP! I cannot wait to get outside again.

What are your running goals for this year? 

What's the longest distance race you've done? 

If you have any long distance running tips, fill me in. I'd love to hear them all!