Saturday, January 5, 2008

It's Burger Season

Football Playoffs! College Bowl Games! It's Burger Season!





I was thinking of what football food would really hit a homerun during that last part of the season. I have just posted one of our favorite foods, Hot Wings and what else compliments wings? Burgers! I'm not talking about your everyday, run of the mill, fast food type burgers. I'm talking something you would pay good money at a fine restaurant for. Ultimate Gourmet Burgers.

Trust me I'm sure there are several people out there that really like a good burger and maybe even have a great recipe. If so, please email it to me by going to the Contact Us section at the bottom of our page and we'll give it a try. If it's all you say it is, we'll post it along with your name and give you kuddo's but for now, here is one of mine that is always a hit and over the next couple of days I'll be posting a few more to wet your whistle. I hope you enjoy these as much as my friend and family have!

California Burger

2 lbs 80/20 lean ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage (bulk)
2 TB Worcestershire sauce
1/3 C Roasted Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
1/3 C Avocado (finely chopped)
3Tbs Shallots (finely chopped)
3 Ts Dijon Mustard
1 ½ Ts Crushed Garlic
S & P to taste

Toppings
Horseradish Sauce (see recipe at the bottom)
Avocado slices
Feta Cheese
Ciabatta Buns
Alfalfa sprouts

In a large mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients except the toppings until mixed well and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow everything to meld together. After the mix has chilled take out and make into 6 - 1 inch thick patties. Make the patties a little thinner in the middle, about 8 oz each.






Heat a large skillet or flat griddle to medium high heat. Place patties in pan/griddle not crowding the meat (above). Cook patties for 2 minutes and turn patties over. This will seal the juices in the burgers and make sure not to press the patties. This will only dry out the burgers. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes and turn one more time, again not pressing the patties. Top with 1 Tbs of Feta Cheese. The key is not over cooking your burger. You want it to be cooked about med to med well to be nice and juicy.

To assemble: place a dollop of horseradish sauce on the bottom roll. Place 2 or 3 slices of avocado and then put the burger on top. Top with ½ cup of the Alfalfa sprouts on top of the melted Feta and put another dollop of horseradish on the top roll. Slice in half and serve with fresh salad greens.

Horseradish Sauce:
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise

1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
Add or decrease horseradish to adjust heat.

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