Just in time for the 4th of July I am sharing my best burger recipe! This burger has been handed down from my "Grandmother Lela" to my mom "Big Ann" and now to me! I realize some of you like a more "Rare Burger", but this Patty should be cooked thoroughly as it contains Pork, but I guarantee it will be Moist and Delicious! There is an added item to the Burger that may catch you off guard as well, and the Cheese selection is a must, as is the special dressing for the bun! This combination is what we call…… "The Firecracker Burger"…….and it will POP with Flavor in your mouth!
This recipe makes 6-8 burgers depending on how thick you like the Patty. We use a store bought Bun, but we slather it with butter and sprinkle with some Garlic Powder, and toast them on the grill before we assemble the burgers. I suggest you do the same…….
- The Patty: In a large bowl put 1+1/2 lb lean ground beef, and 1lb Pork sausage www.jimmydean.com, 1 small yellow onion grated fine, there will be alot of juice it goes in as well, 1tbs Soy Sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1tsp Red Pepper Flakes, 1tsp Dry Mustard Powder, 1tsp each Dried Sage, Oregano www.sadaf.com, 3tsp crushed garlic, and 1 small can Green Chiles, 2tsp Corn Starch. Mix well, make patties and refrigerate for 1 hour. Meat should be cold when placed on the grill. Incorporate all dry ingredients before adding to mixture.
- Now for the secret ingredient: We will need 4 large Green Tomatoes. These will be sliced dredged in 1/2 Flour www.goldmedalflour.com and 1/2 Corn Meal www.ajcornmeal.com seasoned with salt and black pepper, dipped in an egg wash, refloured and fried to a golden brown. Drain on paper towel, and reserve for Burger assembly.
- The cheese is Sliced Pepper Jack, add to burger and melt just a bit before removing from the Grill.
- The Special Dressing is 1+1/2 cup Mayonnaise www.helmans.com, 1/4 cup Yellow Mustard www.frenchesmustard.com , 2tbs Ketchup www.heinzketchup.com, 4tbs well drained "Hatch" Tomatoes with green chiles, 1/4 bunch finely chopped Cilantro, 1tsp Chile Powder.
- We dress the Burger with Iceberg Lettuce , sliced Avocado, and Bread and Butter Pickle slices with the Green Tomatoes. The combination of the Green Tomato with the special sauce combined with the Patty, and the Jalapeno Bread and Butter Pickles www.bestmaidproducts.com is so Fantastic! The Avocado adds a layer of creaminess to the burger that makes it just all the better…..
As an Adult I have decided the burger is best when served with Corn Chips "Fritos" www.fritos.com are my choice with some Bean Dip www.fritosbeandip.com, and I love a "Shiner Bock" www.shiner.com Beer as my drink of choice, this beer from Texas has a beautiful Caramel finish which is great with spicy foods and beef. If wine is what your looking for I suggest "Kumala, Merlot" from South Africa www.kumalausa.com, the fruit is full force forward in this wine which gives a nice roundness to the finish and pairs well with spicy foods.
Keep in mind this is a "FIRECRACKER BURGER" most kids wil find it too Spicy so have another option for them as well as some adults who may not like the spicyness of this burger. I also suggest a dessert which is cold as a finish to this meal. "Lela" always had some home made Peach Ice Cream and Vanilla Pound Cake for a finish it was PERFECT!
If Decorating for the 4th I find Great Decorations at a Fantastic price at "Dollar Tree" stores. They are the best place for Holiday decorations, disposable Plates and service ware, festive Napkins, you name it they have what you need and at a great price, NOTHING over $1.00
