There’s no denying it. The holiday season, and all the “joy” that comes with it, is upon us. The anxiety of finding that sold-out gift, the stress of finding parking at the mall, the worry that comes with the mounting credit card bills, and then there are the meals with the in-laws. It’s all enough to stress a person out. Somewhere along the way we lost what the meaning of what the season was all about.

This year, thanks to the inspiration of a good customer, I decided to do something more this holiday season. I had first heard of this guest on a local news story.

His name is Dan Johnstone, aka, Can Man Dan. He was camped out at a neighbourhood grocery in the bitter cold in an effort to fill a massive truck with food for the Edmonton Food Bank. I remember thinking at the time how noble his efforts were, and at the same time thinking I should be doing more to help. Earlier this year one of my co-workers introduced me to Dan. He was interested in becoming a celebrity chef at Delux to raise funds and awareness for the Edmonton Food Bank.

After exchanging emails I was convinced that Dan would make a great Celeb chef and ambassador. It also got me thinking of how we could take this a step further. Then it donned on me.

I suggested to Dan that we take feeding those in need a step further and actually feed the needy. I reached out to Devon at the Hope Mission and I am pleased to share that Dan, my chefs and I will be handing out a delicious meal to those in need at the Hope Mission this Thursday. We will be preparing Dan’s delicious turkey burger, along with a tasty spinach salad and some crunchy kettle chips. To help a little further, $1 from every one of Dan’s burgers sold at our two Delux locations throughout December will be donated to the Edmonton Food Bank. We will also be collecting non-perishable food donations on behalf of the Food Bank .

This little bit of generosity got me motivated, and when the Ronald McDonald House came calling earlier last month it was hard to say no. They were looking for a chef to contribute to their Home For Dinner program. It was my first experience with Ronald McDonald House so when they offered a tour of the building I couldn’t say no. I wanted to better understand what their program was all about.

I was amazed to find out that they housed over 800 families last year, and had more than another 500 families that they had to find alternative accommodations for. I couldn’t help but think of my 18-month old daughter and how gut wrenching it was to think of her being sick. I couldn’t imagine having to uproot my family, spending weeks and even months at the hospital while doctors try to cure her.

Until you are faced with something like that I don’t think you can fathom just how difficult that process can be.

Thankfully there are great organizations like the Ronald McDonald House that help families cope, offering shelter, a warm meal, classroom time for the kids, and activities to help take their minds off the harsh reality of their situation. It’s great to know that there are wonderful people who aren’t doing things for others day in and day out, not just once a year in an effort to feel good about themselves.

We are excited to be helping them out by preparing a holiday dinner for the families staying with them on Dec. 9th.

So this holiday season, rather than getting all caught up in the madness, find a way to give back to your community in some small way.

When you’re done your good deed for the season, whip yourself up this delicious burger to celebrate your efforts.

Holiday Turkey Burger

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Feeds: 4

1.5 lbs. lean ground turkey

¼ cup bread crumbs

1 egg

1 tsp. fresh ginger

¼ cup minced onions

2 Tbsp. chopped parsley

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

6 slices stale bread, cubed

1 egg

¼ cup chicken stock

2 Tbsp. minced onion

1 tsp. fresh chopped sage

1 tsp. fresh rosemary

1 Tbsp. melted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

4 brioche buns

8 slices brie

8 slices bacon

½ cup mayo

2 Tbsp. cranberry jelly

1 cup turkey gravy

In a bowl combine cubed bread, egg, chicken stock, spices, herbs and melted butter

Mix to combine and then form into 4 stuffing patties

In a separate bowl combine turkey, egg, bread crumbs and spices

Mix to combine and then form into 4 burger patties

Combine the mayo and cranberry sauce until smooth, refrigerate

Precook the bacon slices

Preheat the oven to 450F if cooking with a pan

In a large pan or on the grill, cook the burger patties until medium

Place the brie on top of the burgers, followed by the bacon

Heat a separate pan to medium heat

Lightly grease the pan and then place the stuffing patties in the cook on both sides, 3-4 minutes

Place the burgers in the oven to melt the cheese and finish cooking, 2-3 minutes

Heat the gravy

Smear the mayo on the bottom buns and then place the stuffing patty, followed by the turkey patty, then drizzle with gravy and top with the top bun

Enjoy!

Who’s hungry?