Lauren Rubinstein, photographer of the beautiful images featured in the book The World in Your Teacup by Lisa Boalt Richardson, provided this delicious recipe. A great new 4th of July taste tradition!

Basil Burgers with Goat Cheese
Lauren Rubinstein, photographer, The World in Your Teacup

8 Kaiser rolls
2 Tablespoons butter
2 pounds ground chuck or ground turkey
8 Tablespoons goat cheese
3 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced in half
16 large basil leaves, julienned (cut into thin slices)
¼ cup basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Place peppers in a plastic bag and add a small amount of olive oil. Shake bag to coat the peppers with the oil and then grill them till charred on the outside, about 15 minutes. Allow the peppers to cool, then peel the skin and chop each half into thin pieces.

Mix ground beef or turkey with ¼ cup of chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Divide the meat into 6-8 burgers, depending on the size you would like to serve. Grill according to individual taste. Spread a small amount of butter on each cut side of the rolls and toast rolls in oven or directly on grill.

When burgers are done, place 1 Tablespoon goat cheese, 2-4 julienned basil leaves, and 2-3 pieces of roasted pepper on top of burgers. Place on toasted bun and enjoy.

Serves 6-8.

MF&L Staff at Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.