No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

In all my 50 years, spring has always followed winter. I am starting have to have my doubts. However, spring does not officially start until Sunday, March 20. I believe winters like we have had just make us appreciate the warm weather when it finally does arrive.

If you have not already ordered your garden and flower seeds, you still have time. I will be seeding in the greenhouse in the next few weeks. My favorite thing to start early is a salad mix. Pictured at left is a mix from Johnny's Seeds called Allstar Gourmet Lettuce mix. http://www.johnnysseeds.com/ This mix of lettuces and greens are quick to sprout. They need some light but not much heat to grow. In about 20 days you can be nibbling on fresh, sweet leaves. Some of the annual herbs such as basil and cilantro are quick to sprout also. Anything fresh and green is such a delight after our long, dark, cold winter.

Menu planning is always an challenge for me. Fortunately, my family will eat just about anything that is put before them. They do not, however, usually care what we eat so they don't generally have suggestions.  It appears that it strains them to think of some one thing. Today was one of those days that no one cared or wanted to think about it. So we whipped up some turkey burgers using a recipe off line that we "doctored" just a bit. I think the best part was the sauce we made to eat with the burgers. It was a quick and easy meal.

Turkey Bean Burgers

1 cup cold leftover white or brown rice

1 pound ground turkey

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon Montreal Chicken seasoning

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 ripe avocado

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lime, zested and juiced

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup sour cream

Combine rice, meat and beans with spices. Form 8 small patties. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Cook patties 7 to 8 minutes on each side.

Combine avocado with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well together.

We eat these on our plates with a slice of cheese. We don't eat a lot of bread, but a good crusty roll with lettuce and tomato would be great.

As a side, we had Alexia's sweet potato fries - sea salt and pepper. I found these advertised in the Bon Apetit magazine. There are 3 flavors: plain, sea salt and pepper, and chipotle. I love the plain, my family loves the spicy ones. They are quick and easy to bake...no additives or preservatives.

Start planning now for those great summer evenings on the porch. It will be here soon.