What’s That You Say?

I hope it’s something nice. Why? If you can’t say something nice, don’t talk at all. Besides, today is National Say Something Nice Day.

Sometimes smiling and saying something nice, especially to someone we dislike or about someone we strongly disagree with is really hard. Growing up there was a nun on TV on Saturday mornings that I admired very much. She had compassion, yet she did manage to speak her mind. At times she was down right bold and un-nun-like. These are just a few of my favorite Mother Angelica Quotes. And believe me when I say I can so relate! When I find it hard to pray, I think of Mother and the banana peel. That makes me smile. And when I smile I remember laughing is a good thing. Am I not making any sense? Read the quotes below from a very wise woman. Then you’ll understand.

In case you haven’t noticed by now, I am a very head strong, opinionated person. I have a really hard time keeping my mouth shut. It’s something I’ve confessed to and am working on through prayer. It’s one thing to speak the truth; it’s another to speak ill of people. God loves us all. That means He also loves those we don’t like very much. I guess it’s a good thing we aren’t God. I’m working really hard to stop saying things like “well that’s just stupid” or worse “what a witch!” Pray for me that before I get to heaven, I learn the difference between being honesy and being judgemental. That’s my rant for the day.

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I haven’t a clue why these brugers are called Alfresco Burgers. After all, burgers generally aren’t picnic foods. When I think “Alfresco” I think picnics. Although burgers cooked outdoors seem to taste better. And this time of year, we love spending time outdoors barbecuing. Hubby and I also like to play Backgammon on the back patio. Usually I win. Yeah, I think I might just need to make up a pitcher of Lemonade while Hubby grilles up some delicious burgers. This recipe inspired me to give Hubby an early Father’s Day Gift in the form of a griddle for his Smokey Joe. We are really lousey at waiting – most years come Christmas Morning there is nothing left under the tree. That’s okay, Christmas isn’t about gifts to each other. It’s about sharing the gift of His love.

Alfresco Smash Burgers
1/2 head Red Leaf Lettuce
1/2 White Onion
1 large Beefsteak Tomato
1/2 cup chopped Dill Pickles
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Ketchup
2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce
Kosher Salt as needed
1-1/2 lbs Ground Beef
3 large Hamburger Buns
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Sliced American Cheese or as desired

Break lettuce leaves from the head, rinse well. Separate the leaves, tear into pieces about the same size as the buns. Keep lettuce chilled until ready to assemble. Cut the root and tip from the onion then peel. Using a mandoline, thinly slice onion into slivers. Slice tomato into rounds, set aside.

Heat outdoor grill to high heat. Place a cast-iron griddle, flat side up, on the grill grate; heat until very hot, at lease 15 minutes.

Finely chop dill pickle chips. In a bowl mix pickles with mayonnaise, ketchup, adobo sauce (from a can of Chipotles in Adobo). Season to taste with salt. Cover and set aside for the flavors to mingle.

Divide ground beef into six 4-oz balls (DO NOT form into patties). Place each ball on a piece of waxed paper. Place a second square over each meat ball. Using cast iron press or skillet, firmly smash down to creat thin patties about 5-inches in diameter.

Wrap the hamburger buns in a large sheet of foil to create a packet. Place the packed on the grate to warm burns without toasting, turning once. Remove from grill; keep warm.

Drizzle oil over the hot griddle. With a paper towel, evenly coat the surface. The oil needs to be smoking hot. Season smashed patties lightly with salt. Place four patties on the hot griddle, salt side down. Season top side lightly with salt. Cook undisturbed until the outer edges are brown and the underside has seared, about 2 minutes. Flip, top with cheese if desired and finish cooking 2 minutes longer. Remove from griddle, wrap in foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining two smashed patties; scraping off any cheese stuck to the griddle between batches.

To Assemble: Spread Dill-Adobo Sauce inside each bun. Place 3 or 4 pieces of lettuce on the bottom buns; top with onion and tomato. Stack two patties on top; then close with the top bun slathered in sauce. Serve and enjoy half-pound goodness. Oh, and the sauce has a lovely kiss of peppery heat.

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God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.