Directions:

1. To Prepare Smoky Roasted Carrots:
   Preheat oven to 325-degree Fahrenheit. Wash carrots well. Pat dry. Cut off ends. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel the entire carrot from top to bottom, creating large thin carrot strips. Toss the carrot with oil, salt and paprika. Place in a single layer onto a foil lined sheet tray. Do not overcrowd. Roast for 10 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy. Divide into four portions. Serve warm.

NOTE: Use all strips, including the washed peels. It is a great way to reduce food waste.

2. To Prepare Grass-Fed Mushroom Shiitake Burger:
   NOTE: If using the cremini or button mushrooms use the stems. The stems from the shiitake can be saved in your freezer for stock.
   Preheat oven to 375-degree Fahrenheit. Toss shiitake mushroom caps with oil. Place in a single layer onto a sheet tray. Do not overcrowd. Roast in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and slightly browned. Remove from heat. Cool completely. Place in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. In a bowl, add the ground beef, finely chopped roasted mushroom mixture and Dijon mustard. Blend until well combined. Divided mixture into 4 equal portions. Form patties. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to cook, remove the burgers from the refrigerator. Season both sides with salt. Preheat a flat griddle on top of an outdoor gas grill for at least 10 minutes. Place the patties directly on the hot griddle. Cook for 4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip the patties and continue to cook until cooked through. Remove from heat.
   NOTE: If a gas grill is not available, heat a grill pan or sauté pan over high heat. Follow cooking procedures.
   To serve, place 1 patty on the heel of a toasted brioche bun.
   In order, top with:
   -1 lettuce leaf
   -1 slice tomato
   -1 portion smoky roasted carrots
   -2 bread and butter pickle slices.
   Place crown of bun on sandwich to close. Enjoy immediately!
3. Alternative Cooking Method
   If you can’t cook outdoors and don’t want to make a mess of the stove a great method that is use frequently is my countertop convection oven!

   Pull the burgers from the refrigerator. Lightly oil a small sheet tray, and place patties. Season with salt on both sides. Cook in a preheated countertop convection oven at 375-degree Fahrenheit for about 6 minutes. Turn the oven to broil mode and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and proceed as directed!