A Better Burger

Tasty Takes on this Summertime Classic

BY MELISSA TATE

Farm Fresh Burger with Homemade Mayo

Makes: 2 burgers | Prep Time: 15 min. | Cook Time: 10 min. | Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 1 large tomato, sliced in thick rings | 1 smallred onion, sliced in thick rings | Refrigerator pickles (found in the refrigerated section of your grocer) | 2 slices of American cheese | Homemade mayo, recipe below | 2 fresh hamburger buns Homemade Mayo Ingredients: 1 egg | 1 Tbsp.lemon juice | ½ tsp. salt | 1/8 tsp. garlic powder | 1 cup avocado oil

Mayo Directions: Mix egg, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder in a blender. Pour in avocado oil slowly and mix on high until desired consistency. Homemade mayo will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Burger Directions: Prepare Homemade Mayo ahead of time. For burgers, heat a nonstick pan to medium/high heat. Half ground beef into two ½ pound portions. Form each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. Cook 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. Remove patties from heat and set aside. Placeone slice of American cheese on each patty immediately. Now build your burgers. Spread mayonnaise onto each side of the fresh bun and place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top with fresh veggies, pickles, and top bun.

Mushroom Swiss on Savory Onion Bun

Makes: 2 burgers | Prep time: 15 min. | Cook time: 15 min. | Total time: 30 min.

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 4 white mushrooms, sliced | ½ small red onion, sliced | 2 slices of Swiss cheese | 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise | 2 onion buns or brioche bun

Directions: Heat nonstick pan to medium/high heat. Half ground beef into two ½ pound portions. Form each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. Cook 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. Remove patties from heat and set aside. Place one slice of Swiss cheese on each patty immediately. Place mushrooms and onions in the pan with beef grease and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove mushrooms and onions from heat and build your burger. Spread mayonnaise onto each side of the onion bun and place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top with mushrooms and onions. Place top bun over mushrooms and onions.

Southwest Brunch Burger

Makes: 2 burgers | Prep time: 20 min. | Cook time: 20 min. | Total time: 40min.

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 2 eggs | ½ cup Pico de Gallo | 2 slices of pepper jack cheese | 2 Tbsp. avocado mayo or guacamole salsa | 2 buns

Directions: Heat a nonstick pan to medium/high heat. Half ground beef into two ½ pound portions. Form each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. Cook 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. Remove patties from heat and set aside. Place one slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty immediately. FRY each egg one at a time in the heated beef grease to the desired doneness. Spread sauce on buns, place patty and cheese on the bottom bun, and top with Pico de Gallo. Place egg on the burger or enjoy on the side.