Bunless Buffalo Burger

This Buffalo Turkey Burger is almost exactly like the Buffalo Chicken Burgers we had for Ralph's birthday in October with just a few tweaks to make them South Beach Diet friendly.

Obviously there is no bun...I used 2 big butter lettuce leaves instead and surprising to even me, it was pretty good!  Honestly, yes I missed the bun a little but since the burger is so flavorful it really was great ok it really was good, but I keep thinking about bathing suits and it helps.  You can see the zucchini slices peeking out from the side which I grilled to go along with the burgers - very South Beach friendly!  Modified recipe after the jump!
Sincerely Loving Food,
Lainey
Buffalo Chicken/Turkey Burgers
1lb ground chicken or turkey
3/4 C hot/buffalo sauce (I prefer Frank's red hot, but use your fav)
1/2 of an onion, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 C shredded carrots
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 tblsp panko bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
salt/pepper

For the Blue Cheese Spread
1/3 C blue cheese crumbles
1/4 C reduced fat mayonnaise
2 stalks celery, finely diced

For the burgers: Prepare a baking sheet with a strip of aluminum foil and a coating of non stick spray.  In a bowl mix the chicken, hot sauce, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bread crumbs, egg cayenne and a pinch of salt and black pepper with your hands until just combined - mixture will be sticky.  Form mixture into 4-6 patties (depending on how big you want them), place patties on prepared baking sheet, cover with another piece of foil or wax paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best), this will help the patties stick together.  Cook either on a grill or in a skillet preheated to medium high for appx. 4 minutes on each side, while basting with additional hot sauce if desired.  Serve on a toasted bun or lettuce leaves with a smear of blue cheese spread, topped with additional celery if desired.

For the spread: mix all the ingredients - so easy!  Refrigrate in an air tight container for up to a week.