Independence Day

Many families may choose not to travel this Independence Day weekend due to the high gas prices. This doesn’t mean that your weekend can’t be a memorable one. Save your gas money and have a good old American Backyard BBQ! All of the time you save by not fighting traffic can be put to use preparing some great food right in your own backyard. A traditional favorite is the good old hamburger. I have spent 3 years developing what I believe is the perfect hamburger. This recipe was created because I have never found a burger that could live up to the promise of the name “Bacon Burger”. I could never taste the bacon due to the burger or the bun or both. Every “Bacon Burger” I tried left me disappointed until now. Some of the ingredients may surprise you, for instance cornstarch helps to bind the meat together as well as retain the juices in the meat. Bread cubes help to carry the flavor and create a steak like texture. Beef Bouillon and Worcestershire Sauce enhance the flavor of the meat. Another tip is to not pack the burger too tightly as they will become hard and squeeze out the natural juices.
Chef Brian’s Bacon Burgers
1-pound ground beef lean
1/4-pound bacon, hickory smoked, cooked & crumbled
1-teaspoon beef bouillon, powder, low sodium
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-teaspoon cornstarch
1/4-teaspoon black pepper
1/4-cup water
1-cup bread, cubed, 1/4"
In large bowl mix together Bouillon, Worcestershire Sauce, cornstarch, Pepper & Water. Toss in bread crumbs. Add ground beef and bacon. Mix gently. Form into patties.
Grill directly over medium fire (350-400) 4-5 minutes per side.
Serving suggestions: serve plain as ground steak with steak sauce or on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato & mayo for a " BLT" Burger. Serves 4-6
PS: If you need to satisfy your holiday camping “fix” you can pitch a tent in your backyard and have a campfire in a commercially made fire pit! (Check with your local fire department!)