Turkey Avocado Burgers

I'm (sadly) no fan of hamburgers. Suffice it to say, I had a bad experience as a kid. Since this is a food blog, I won't go into details. 

As an adult, I've always felt cheated. Burgers are cookouts, and birthday parties, and summertime, and so many lovely things that I'm too traumatized to enjoy. So, I found a work-around: The Turkey Avocado Burger. 

What you'll need:

• 2 lbs. ground turkey (85/15)
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 large garlic clove, grated
• 1/2 tsp. ground corriander seed
• 1/2 tsp. ground mustard seed
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 5 hamburger buns (something a little fancy)
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 10 (thin) slices gruyere cheese (1" x 2" slices)
• 1 head butter lettuce
• 1 large tomato
• mayonnaise (optional)
• butter (NOT optional)

How to make it:

• Combine all ingredients, except the butter. Mix well, but don't over-mix!*
• Make five (large) patties, and place on a hot griddle. [Each patty will be approx. 6.5 oz. and will be "loose." Eew. I know.]
• Cook for 5-10 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (Only flip ONCE!)
• During the last minute of cooking, place 2 slices of cheese on each burger. Remove from griddle when cheese is melted.
• Butter the insides of the buns and lay them butter side down on the griddle; 20-30 seconds should do the trick.
• Spread a thin layer of mayo on top and bottom of bun so everything stays in place.
• Place patties on buns; top with avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
• Serve hot!

*Over-mixing leads to tough burgers. Gross.