It’s National Ketchup Day!

Depending upon who you listen to, today could be National Veggie Burger Day (no, thank you) or International Ketchup Day. While not my favorite condiment, I can work with that.

Would you believe that Ketchup comes from a Chinese word, kê-tsiap. Chinese ketchup isn’t even made with tomatoes – it’s made from fermented fish. Some say the British discovered ketchup in Southeast Asia sometime in the 17th century. Upon returning home, they tried to replicate the dark fermented sauce with mushrooms, walnuts, oysters or anchovies. I don’t know about you, but none of those sound very appetizing to me.

Thank goodness, the first tomato ketchup recipes appeared in 1812. This method of preserving tomatoes quickly grew in popularity, as the tomato season can be relatively short, depending upon where you are from. Here in California, we have tomatoes throughout most of the summer.

In any case, according to a survey, nearly 97% of American homes report having a bottle of ketchup at the table. I don’t understand that – having the bottle on the table I mean. We keep our condiments in the fridge, and only bring out the ketchup when having burgers or fries and such. And that would be for Kiddo and Hubby, as I prefer mustard on my dogs, and mayo on my fries. Burgers are open to a number of things, depending upon my mood. Thousand Island Dressing is my favorite burger condiment, followed by a blend of ketchup and mayo – which is dressing without the pickles when you think about it.

My feeling is that if you are going to celebrate International Ketchup Day, you may as well serve up some burgers and fries. And what goes better with burgers and fries than a nice frosty glass of root beer? The author of this burger recipe claims it is a revised rendition of an old favorite, the A&W Papa Burger. Okay, but if you ask me, I think there’s a whole lot more going on here.

As for the fries, I adore the way an air fryer will give you “fried” French Fries without the greasy splatter of a fryer, or heating up the kitchen with some oven baked fried. Just don’t forget the ketchup!

Steak House Skillet Burgers
1/3 cup White Onions, finely diced
1 slice Sandwich Bread, torn into small pieces
3 slices Red Onion
3 Green Leaf Lettuce Leaves
1 large Tomato, sliced
1 lb lean Ground Beef
1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoons Liquid Smoke
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
3 slices American Cheese, optional
3 Hamburger Buns
3 tablespoons Thousand Island Dressing

Peel and finely dice the onions, set aside. Cut crust from the slice of bread and discard. Tear or cut remaining bread into small pieces, set aside. Cut four slices from a red onion, peel, break into rings and set aside. Wash and spin dry the lettuce leaves, set aside. Slice tomato, set aside. Spread flour out on a small plate, set aside.

In a large bowl, lightly mix diced onions, bread pieces, ground beef, vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire Sauce, Steak Sauce and seasonings. Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll into balls, flatten and shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Set patties aside.

Heat al large cast iron or other heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook patties about 4 minutes or so per side. Remove skillet from heat, top patties with cheese. Cover skillet and let the cheese melt over the burgers while the buns are prepared.

Split hamburger buns, place cut side up. Brush bun bottoms with the dressing. Top each bottom bun with lettuce. Place the burger on top of the lettuce leave. Top burgers with red onions and a slice of tomato. Brush top bun with dressing, place over the burgers. Serve and enjoy with French Fries and a Root Beer.

Air Fryer French Fries
Cooking Spray
15 oz frozen French Fries or as desired
Salt to taste

Spray basket of the air fryer with cooking spray, place in fryer. Set Air Fryer to 400-degrees for 17 minutes. Pause after 5 minutes heating time. Remove basket, spread fries out inside the heated basket. Spray with more cooking spray, season with salt.

Return basket to fryer, continue to air fry for 6 minutes. Pause, remove basket and shake fries about. Season with a bit more salt if desired. Insert basket in fryer, fry for remaining 6 minutes.

Note: If frying a smaller batch of French Fries, reduce cooking time to 10 minutes, shaking basket half-way through.

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We do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4