Turkey always reminds us of Thanksgiving, so we dress these bird burgers in T-Day fashion.
SERVES 4
CRIMSON CRANBERRY KETCHUP
| 1 | tablespoon butter |
| 1 | tablespoon minced onion |
| 8-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce | |
| 2 | tablespoons raspberry vinegar, Peach Vinegar ([>]), or other fruity vinegar |
| 1 | tablespoon tomato paste |
| 1 | tablespoon water |
| Pinch of kosher salt | |
| 1½ | pounds ground turkey |
| ½ | cup herb-seasoned stuffing bread crumbs |
| ¼ | cup milk |
| ½ | teaspoon kosher salt (omit if stuffing crumbs are salted) |
T-DAY DRY RUB
| 2 | teaspoons dried thyme |
| 1 | teaspoon dried sage |
| 1 | teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper |
| 1 | teaspoon white pepper |
| 1 | teaspoon kosher salt |
| 4 | onion rolls, split, or hamburger buns, preferably bakery-made |
| Shredded red cabbage, for garnish |
Prepare the ketchup, first melting' the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook briefly until translucent. Stir in the remaining ingredients and reduce the heat to low. Cook until thickened to ketchup consistency, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (The ketchup can be made a day or two ahead and kept covered and refrigerated. Serve chilled or reheated, adding a little water if it becomes too thick for easy spooning.)
Fire up the grill, bringing the temperature to medium (4 to 5 seconds with the hand test).
While the grill preheats, prepare the burgers. Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, milk, and salt. Gently form the mixture into four patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick. The patties should hold together firmly, but don't compact them or handle them any longer than necessary.
Prepare the dry rub, mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle the rub equally over both sides of the burgers, lightly patting in the spices.
Grill the burgers uncovered over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes per side, until medium-brown and crisp with a fully cooked interior. If grilling covered, cook for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once midway. Toast the rolls at the edge of the grill if you wish.
Spread ketchup on both sides of the rolls, sprinkle with cabbage, and top with the burgers. Serve immediately.