Inspiration: One of my favorite things about living in Michigan is the fresh, local cherries, which are probably the top food item that Michigan is known for. They’re gorgeous and they’re everywhere at this time of year, and I can never get enough. I kind of get all sentimental just thinking about it – I love living here and love everything that the local farmers, chefs, brewers, etc. provide us. And I find it really awesome that no matter where you live, there are always going to be those local items, personalities, restaurants, etc. that are just really unique to the area. I love that.

What We Loved: For those who like sweet and savory combinations, this recipe is perfect. The cherry salsa is actually just very mildly sweet, so it lends a subtle fruit flavor to the dish and just a touch of spice from the minced jalapenos. Goat cheese is always fabulous in my book, but I particularly love it in applications where it melts, like atop burgers. The texture gets so creamy and fabulous. And of course, a hamburger grilled on a charcoal grill has a wonderful charred and smoky flavor that just can’t be matched. A bite of smoky burger with some creamy cheese and a bit of rich, fruity salsa – well, that’s just perfect.

Tips: As you can see in the picture, I like to pick out the deepest, darkest, ripest looking cherries – in my opinion, they’re the best! The cherries that are redder or brighter in color look prettier but they aren’t quite as ripe and are usually harder/have less flavor. The deep, richly colored ones are nice and soft and are bursting with juice and flavor. They turn your fingertips purple and are just magnificent.

Burgers with Goat Cheese and Cherry Salsa
Source: Cherry Salsa from Living Tastefully

I made enough cherry salsa for two burgers. See the link above for a full recipe.

10-15 sweet cherries, pits removed and diced
1/2 tablespoon or so minced jalapeno (seeded first)
Few leaves fresh basil, minced
Dash balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/4 lb ground beef, shaped into two burgers
2-3 oz fresh goat cheese, cut into thick slices
Garlic powder
Seasoning salt

1. Combine the cherries, jalapeno, basil, and vinegar in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Season the burgers with garlic powder and seasoning salt. Cook/grill as desired.

3. Top the burgers with the goat cheese and cherry salsa.