Spicy Tequila Lime Burgers

As Kiddo put his dinner plate in the sink, he announced to no one in particular that “This was the best burger I have ever had in my entire life”. Wow, considering how many burgers he has had, that’s saying plenty.

Welcome to the Seventeenth Day of April – National Ellis Island Family History Day. Once upon a time, Ellis Island served as the gateway to America for immigrants seeking a better life. Today we no longer have a central port of entry. People come from all over, and use all sorts of ways to enter America.

While Ellis Island has its place in American history, and should be remembered, the vast majority of immigrants today come from Mexico. This is followed by India, China, the Dominican Republic and finally Vietnam to round out the top five by country of origin. That is according to the 2023 statistics. In 2018, China outnumbered India, with the Philippines in the 4th position and El Salvador in the fifth. If you were to look at it from a regional breakdown, Asia would be the largest, followed by Mexico. While Ellis Island no longer functions as a port of entry and clearing house for new arrivals; if it did, most would not pass through her doors.

America was built on immigrants. This is not to take away from the Native peoples who came first. Even they were immigrants at one point in their history. Migration is part of all cultures. Just as mingling ideas, beliefs, traditions and races has been a part of the evolution of people. I don’t believe we came from pond scum, but I do believe we have evolved within our own spices. All people have the same roots when traced back to the beginning of the human race. So while today we acknowledge the importance of Ellis Island and all those who walked her halls, immigrates from every part of the globe should be celebrated.

America was once considered a melting pot. Some have equated America to be less like a melting pot and more akin to a toss salad. I think that is a better analogy. After all, a tomato and lettuce and all the other vegetables that make up a salad remain a tomato and lettuce and whatever else, yet they coexist and contribute to the awesomeness of a salad.

Hum, maybe we should have made a toss salad for today. Yeah, but this seemed a good day to share what Kiddo has declared to be the best burger ever. I would have to agree. Consider it the All-American Burger meets Mexico. Have a wonderful day!

Spicy Tequila Lime Burgers
Burger Patties
1 lb lean Ground Beef
1 Lime
1 tablespoon A-1 Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 tablespoon Tequila

Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl, set aside. Cut lime in half. Carefully zest half on the lime, add to ground beef. Juice both halves of the lime directly over the meat. Add steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Montreal seasoning and tequila. Gently work into the ground meat to avoid over-working. Form into three patties, set aside.

Finishing Touches
3 Iceberg Lettuce Leaves
1 large Jalapeno Pepper
Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese as desired
Condiments as desired

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. Spray lightly with high-heat cooking spray to prevent burgers from sticking.

While the skillet warms, break apart lettuce leaves, set aside. Stem jalapeno, cut into rounds and set aside.

When the skillet is ready, cook burgers to desired doneness, about 5 minute per side. During the last few minutes of cook time, add jalapeno rounds to the skillet to sear. Top burgers, if desired, with cheese. Cover and allow cheese to melt.

Place hamburger buns on a flat work surface. Spread desired condiments such as ketchup or mayonnaise over the cut side of the buns. Place lettuce on bottom buns. Top with a tequila patty, sliced jalapenos and the top bun. Serve with fries and enjoy.

---

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord