Cevapi for the World Cup kick off

To celebrate the World Cup kick off today, when Brazil plays the opening match with Croatia, I have cooked a Croatian recipe Cevapi, and we'll raise a glass of a Brazilian beer too.

I have come across the cevapi recipes in last week's Family section of the Guardian (see Cevapi with Mum'sAjvar, sorry cannot post the link, as you have to pay for it now. Since when did the Guardian started charging for the online version?). There was also another Cevapi recipe in the Jamie Oliver magazine, which thankfully you can read online).
My version is a mix of both, with some adjustments.

Cevapi
Ingredients:
500g minced beef
400g pork sausage meat
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1tsp paprika
100g pancetta, finely chopped
1tsp baking powder
5 leaves of fresh sage, chopped
1tsp mixed herbs (with marjoram)

Mix the minced beef with the pork sausage meat in a big bowl. I used the sausage meat rather than the minced pork because I simply couldn't find any while doing my grocery shopping, and had no time to go elsewhere. Crush the garlic cloves through the press and add to the meat. Add the paprika, very finely chopped pancetta, baking power (not quite sure why, typically I never add it to the meatballs or burgers), herbs and mix well.
Place a bowl of cold water next to you on the working surface. Divide the meat into 12+ pieces, and using your hands shape them into mini torpedoes.
Or just plain burgers.
As I was shaping the first few torpedoes, my younger son watched me and commented: "Mummy, they look like poo".
Not quite the effect I was after. But he had a point. So, I made 6 torpedoes and 9 mini burgers to have a more aesthetic appearance.

Preheat the grill and cook the burgers/torpedoes on the oiled grill for at least 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
You could also cook them on the BBQ for the smoked flavour.
Serve with Ajvar, i.e. an aubergine relish. I was dead sure we had a jar at home, but it turned out I have a jar of Luteniza which is much spicier than Ajvar.
So, I am going to serve the cevapi with a bit of Luteniza and some roasted butternut squash sprinkled with cinnamon.

Are you planning to celebrate the World Cup?

Chris from Cooking Around the World has challenged the foodies to take part in a culinary-football-themed game this month. Read all about the rules of the game in his linky Bloggers Around the World.

Check out the delicious Croatian recipes which Cheryl from Madhouse Family Reviews and Chris from Cooking Around the World have cooked today:
Kiflice
and
Fritule