Hamburgers and hot dogs are often part of summer celebrations. Here are a few ideas to break the monotony and transform these hot-weather favourites.

The hamburger and its variations
For healthy choices, opt for lean meat and whole-grain buns. But why stick to the traditional ground beef patty and standard bun, when you can enjoy endless variety?

• The veggie burger. In a blender, combine feta cheese (100 g), fresh coriander (125 mL), cumin (5 mL), lemon zest (5 mL) and drained, rinsed chick peas (2 x 540 mL tin). Add olive oil (10 mL). Shape mixture into patties and fry until golden-brown on both sides. Serve on toasted sourdough bread, garnished with arugula.

• The Thai burger. For the patties, combine lean ground pork, fresh ginger, fresh coriander, soy sauce or fish sauce, and a few drops of sesame oil. Cook and serve on English muffins, with spicy mayo (light mayo, hot pepper and lime), onion rings, and grated carrot and zucchini.
• The Greek burger. Combine ground lamb, fresh mint or oregano, and chopped black olives to make patties. Cook meat and serve in pitas with tzatziki, and tomato, cucumber and red onion slices.

Hot diggity dogs!
The traditional hot dog offers little nutritional value, so there’s good reason to trade in regular wieners for low-fat, higher-protein versions. Add an original whole-grain bun and you’re got a new take on the dog!

• The Mexi-dog. Ever consider using tortillas for buns? Spread a blend of puréed red kidney or black beans and tomato paste onto a whole wheat tortilla, and top with a spicy veggie wiener (or ground turkey shaped into a sausage and pan-fried). Garnish with onions, diced avocado, lettuce and salsa, and roll up. Olé!
• The sea dog. Shape sausages from a mixture of tinned salmon, one egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion and fresh parsley. Fry in a skillet until golden-brown, and serve on multigrain submarines, garnished with lettuce, light tartar sauce and lime juice.
• Duck on a bun. Arrange strips of cooked duck, sautéed leek and cranberry chutney on a small whole-wheat bun, for a chic sandwich!

Inspired toppings
For the least calories and the most flavour, replace bacon and fried onions by crispy toppings bursting with freshness. 

• Vegetables:carrots, grated zucchini or beet, roasted peppers, spinach, sautéed leek, and bean, alfalfa and other sprouts.
• Fruit: Sliced, or in salads or salsa. Delicious combinations: turkey and peach slices, pork and sliced apple, chicken with mango and dried cranberry salsa, or fish and tropical fruit salad.
  
  

---