When Ordinary Burgers Won’t Do

Today is one of those days that has more than one National implications. It’s one of several days to celebrate bacon. The 2nd of September is the day America officially recognizes the surrender of Japan and the end of WWII.

It’s also the 1st Monday in September – and Labor Day trumps all other connotations this day may bring. Labor Day means a three-day weekend for most of us. It signifies the unofficial end of summer as most children are returning to school. For us, Labor Day means gathering with friends and family. Not quite the same as when I was a child, when extended family gatherings were huge – easily over a dozen kids alone. Add in the adults and we could top two dozen on any given gathering.

Typically Labor Day was all about keeping things simple – hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salads were the norm. While where we celebrate has changed over the years, and who gathers aren’t the same since many of our extended family has scattered to the four winds, how we celebrate remains the same. It’s all about burgers, dogs and good times.

We are lucky living where we do. Just up the road in the rolling foothills of the Sierras is a family cattle ranch that sells their beef at nearby farmer’s markets. Hubby and I love their ground beef. It’s lean and flavorful as only small ranch-raised cattle can be. Perfect for burgers with an extra kick. You need quality meat to stand up to the added flavors and still shine.

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

Spicy Good Burgers
2 Garlic Cloves
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1-1/3 lbs Quality Ground Beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Prepared Horseradish
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 large Beefsteak Tomato
4 Green Leaf Lettuce Leaves
4 Sesame Seed Hamburger Buns
4 tablespoons Mayonnaise
Sliced Cheese, optional
Ketchup as desired
Mustard as desired

Peel and chop garlic cloves on a wooden surface. Place garlic in a mortar and pestle. Add salt and olive oil. Mash into a paste and set aside.

Place ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add garlic paste, Worcestershire Sauce and horseradish. Mix gently. Form meat into 4 equal third-pound burgers. With thumb, indent the middle of each burger to help reduce shrinkage. Season burgers with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to cook.

Slice tomato into nice rounds. Wash lettuce, pat dry and set aside.

Split hamburger buns. Spread mayonnaise on the cut side of buns. Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Toast buns to a golden born, wrap in foil and keep warm.

In the now empty skillet, grill burgers to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove skillet from heat. Top burgers with sliced cheese if using. Cover skillet and allow cheese to melt.

To assemble: Spread more mayonnaise, ketchup or mustard as desired on th bottom buns. Top each bun with a hamburger patty. Top patties with lettuce and tomato. Spread desired condiments on the inside of the top bun. Close burgers, serve with fries and enjoy the spicy goodness

---

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.