The Hamburger and Public Service
May brings with it some great celebrations and plentiful reasons to get outside. Firstly, it is National BBQ month, and who in Texas doesn’t love a good barbeque? May is also National Hamburger month and National Salad Month, but so long as you serve a little greens on the side we will consider that covered.
The hamburger made its debut somewhere around the 19th century, likely because of the demand for mass-produced, affordable foods. While there is some controversy over which country can claim the rights to its invention, it is identified as an American food today and one of the more popular options for a backyard barbeque. One of our favorite recipes comes from food.com and can be found here. Although we have saved you the trouble and have provided the recipe below!
BURGER
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon mustard (regular or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
- 1lb medium ground beef
FLAVOR PERK STIR-INS
- 1 tablespoon creamy Caesar salad dressing or 1 tablespoon Greek salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomato
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind or 1 tablespoon lime rind
- 1 tablespoon grated gingerroot
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh herb
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 1 fresh jalapenos or 1 pickled jalapeno pepper, chopped
DIRECTIONS
Lightly oil grill & heat BBQ to medium. Whisk egg in a bowl& add next 6 ingredients. Add any of the “stir-ins” that appeal to you. Crumble in beef & using your hands or a fork, gently mix together. Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets. Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers, about ¾ inch thick. Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the center of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking. Place burgers on the grill, close lid & BBQ until NO LONGER PINK INSIDE, turning once, about 6 – 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer should read 160°F. Don’t abuse your burgers by pressing with a spatula, pricking with a fork or turning frequently as precious juices will be lost! Tuck into a warm crusty bun & add your favorite toppings.
Tell us about your favorite recipes. We would love to feature it on our Facebook page and share!
Did you know May 20th is Pick Strawberries Day? Nothing is more delicious or refreshing than a bowl of strawberries to compliment up your BBQ. You can head to P-6 Farms in Montgomery, The King’s Orchard in Plantersville, or Jollisant Farm in Plantersville and pick your own!