Cheeseburger in Paradise

Today is National Cheeseburger Day. When you hear the word “Cheeseburger” does your mind wander? I know mine does, especially now, with the recent passing of the greatest beach bum that ever lived – Jimmy Buffett.

First there was the devastating fire in Maui, and then Jimmy sailing home. To Parrot Heads and Beach Bums and people who simply love paradise, it has been so sad. To the beautiful people of Maui, who get to call that island home, our hearts and our prayers go out to you. It’s going to be a long haul back, but with faith as your compass you will return better than before.

I’m not going to pretend that I know what this loss has done to Maui. Unless you’ve been there, and stood in the ashes, you can’t truly understand. It would be an insult to claim otherwise. Mine are fading memories of a Maui Vacation so long ago and a Cheeseburger in Paradise. The loss does not even compare.

So it is with a heavy heart that is filled with fond memories I sing to you

I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and French-Fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well, good God Almighty, which way do I steer?

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Cheeseburger in Paradise
Heinz 57 Sauce
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Heinz Ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
3 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons Cider Vinegar
6 drops Tabasco Sauce or to taste, optional

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, mustard and vinegar. Taste, add Tabasco sauce as desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cheeseburger
6 Green Leaf Lettuce Leaves
2 large Tomatoes
1/2 Red Onion
2 lbs Ground Beef or 6 Third-Pound Burger Patties
Black Pepper to taste
6 Sesame Seed Hamburger Buns
Heinz 57 Sauce (above)
12 slices American Cheese

Break lettuce leaves from head, rinse and pat dry, set aside until ready to use. Slice each tomato into 6 slices, set aside. Cut onion in half, reserve half for another purpose. Peel and thinly slice remaining half. Break onion apart, set aside.

If using fresh ground beef, divide meat into 6 third-pound portions. Form into patties. Season lightly with pepper, set aside. If using pre-made patties, season with pepper and set aside.

Clean and oil grill grate. Heat grill to medium-high. Place burger patties on the grill to cook. Let sizzle for about 3 minutes or so undisturbed. Flip burgers, let cook another 2 or 3 minutes, to desired doneness. Remove burgers from grill, wrap in foil and keep warm.

Split hamburger buns open, lightly brush with butter. Toast buns on the grill for just a minute or two.

To assemble: Spread a little Heinz 57 Sauce on the top and bottom bun. Place lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of tomato, then a slice of cheese. Top with warm burger, another slice of cheese, another slice of tomato and finish with onion slivers. Top with top bun. Serve with French Fried Potatoes.

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Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer