All the Fixings

Do you want to know what I can't understand? I can't understand when people have a hamburger that only consists of a hamburger patty, a bun, maybe some cheese, and ketchup and mustard. That is just not enough! A hamburger isn't worth it to me unless there is some crisp lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes involved as well--and that is the minimum! Sometimes in life, more is better!

Here are some ways to make your burger even better!

Bacon Jam

Ingredients:

12 strips thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/4-inch lardons
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 Spanish onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Directions:

Render the bacon in a pan over low heat with 1/4 cup water until crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet and add the canola oil and onions. Sweat the onions over low heat until translucent and lightly caramelized, 20 to 25 minutes, and then transfer to a nonreactive bowl.

Pulse the bacon lardons in a food processor until they reach a coarse consistency. Fold the bacon into the onions, and then stir in the vinegar and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and then let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remove the thyme sprig when reheating.

Yield: About 2 cups.

Source: You can find the original source of this recipe here.

Notes: Good stuff. It really added a lot to the burgers.

Special Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Sriracha
1 clove garlic
Kosher salt and ground white pepper

Directions:

Blend together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sherry vinegar, Sriracha and garlic in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Yield: about 2 cups.

Source: This recipe was part of a greater recipe (which also included the Bacon Jam). Here is the link again.

Caesar Spread

Ingredients:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (1/2 ounce)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped (optional)
Black pepper

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, anchovy (if using), and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Tip: Before you grate cheese, coat the grater with cooking spray. It will be easier to use and wash.

Source: Real Simple. You can find the recipe here.

Secret Burger Sauce

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl, and place a dollop on your hamburger.

Source: Allrecipes.com, submitted by Soifua. You can find it here.