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Open to vegetarians too! Any kind of burger. How about a portobello mushroom burger?
One aspect I do adore about Rachael Ray is that she makes fast food accessible at home that is a healthier version than takeout. I never ever considered making my own burgers until I saw her do it over and over on TV and thought, hey, maybe I can do that? There is no doubt that if you make a hamburger at home it is going to be healthier than if you buy it at a fast food chain. I thought making our own burgers might be a great place to begin with my free and fun foodie cooking club.
I am not going to put up one single recipe for you to follow because I have a feeling there will be people out there who will want to make a vegetarian version, a chicken version, a low-fat version…. and that’s totally OK! If you already have a burger recipe you love and want to share on your blog, go for it! So everyone who wants to give making their own hamburgers a shot just cook them up, take some pictures (or don’t) and put it on your blog by Monday April 20th and then add a direct link to your blog here.
I probably will make mine this week and share the basics with you here so that you have some instruction and feel more comfortable giving it a try. Who says that grilling/frying up hamburgers is something that only guys can do? I intend to become quite a grilling queen this summer and hopefully even move to the barbecue to break the stereotype that outdoor cooking is just for the guys!
Here are some hamburger suggestions in case you do not know where to begin. I will be following Rachael Ray’s Big Mac fakeout recipe. I will not be doing the chillies and mayo idea though, I’m going for the classic Big Mac not-so-secret sauce, LOL. I probably will only be doing one patty too, I can only handle so much red meat. Rachael Ray has plenty of burgers to choose from on her site too. Most of the Food Network guys just put meat together with no spices in it, boring! Rachael Ray really seems to be the queen of burgers. If you want to go chicken, you can swap the hamburger for ground chicken to a lot of her recipes. For vegetarians you can check out the long list of recipes at AllRecipes.com.
If you’re wondering what to make as a side dish, I recommend the Neelys Potato Salad. I think I might also try Sunny Anderson‘s Sweet Potato and Celery Root Fries. They are oven baked and super spicy and I have never tried celery root before. Hope my grocery store has it!
So who is with me?! Who would like to try making their own hamburgers with me? Who is going to join my foodie club and my homemade hamburger challenge?
Bohemian Single Mom says
This is totally cool Suzie! While I’m not a red meat eater, I used to be, and I still make hamburgers for my daughter. I personally love using ground turkey instead.
My secret is to poke a finger hole right through the center of the patty after forming it…it helps to ensure it cooks more evenly and thoroughly.
xo
Genie Sea says
I’m in! Burgers are us! 🙂
Crayons says
Hi Suzie,
This looks to be a really exciting blog. I remember your sense of adventure and curiosity. I remember your elegant presentations. I will miss your insights and currents of spirituality. I’ll let the meat eaters take this challenge. I’ll be in for another one. Enjoy your time off. I hope you are well.
kim says
Awesome idea! Especially, the “Big Mac” recipe. That’s one of the few reasons I go to the big “M” occaisionally. I get cravings for Big Macs.
I’m sure a veggie version could be accomplished….
gemma says
Hi Suzie! I’ve been reading through your blog. Yay! So glad you are back here. Personally love grilled Portabello Mushroom burgers.
yum!
Suzie the Foodie says
Boho Mom, you could always make yourself a veggie burger if you’d like. Thanks for the burger tip! I will have to try that one day for sure.
Yay! So happy you are participating Genie Sea.
Caroline, it’s so wonderful to see you’re back online too. You don’t have to make the burger with meat, I’ve listed vegetarian options if you’d like.
Kim, it’s so cool to think of making a Big Mac at home, isn’t it? I hope it kind of tastes like them, they’re my weak spot too.
Hello Gemma! (waving to you!) Oh I know, portobello mushrooms burgers are devine!
Jana B says
I’m in! It’ll probably have to be next weekend though, before I have a chance. Tonight’s supper is already planned, and James cooks most weekdays. Mmmm…. ground turkey and portabella mushrooms…
Tammy says
What fun Suzie! Interestingly, I actually made burgers this weekend! We saw an idea we wanted to try on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Food Network, of course!) They turned out GREAT! We had sweet potato fries with them.
I have another idea for a veggie burger that I’ve been wanting to try, so I think I’ll give that a go sometime this week!! I may have to start my “new” blog up so I can post about all my food adventures as well. We’ll see!
Jamie Ridler says
Wow, sounds great! Justin’s the burgermeister at our house. I’d recruit him to try this out but alas, no kitchen for us yet! Maybe we’ll be able to join in in the future.
Nydia says
Suzie! I’m so happy you’re back, girl! Oh my gods, this page is going to be online all the time when I get my home internet! LOL It’s wonderful to read your words again, neighbour, just lovely. Do keep in touch!
Lots of love from us.
Emily says
Fun, fun, fun! I’ll find some vegan burgers to try. 🙂
Tori says
Awesome! We’ll probably want burgers at home some time before the 20th. Maybe even tonight since we have some fresh ground beef. I love making burgers. Yum.
Suzie the Foodie says
Jana, that’s totally fine. We have this week to make the burgers and then we’re writing about them on Monday.
Tammy, that is the coolest you are already ahead of us. Perhaps I read your mind when I came up with this idea?! 🙂 I hope you do start a food blog and share your vegetarian burger with us there.
Bummer that Justin can’t participate Jamie! I know with the chaos going on around you right now that it would be impossible. Next time!
Nydia, thank you so much for coming and visiting! I’m glad you like the new foodie blog. Can’t wait until you’re online again for good.
Emily, I can’t wait to see how you make a vegan burger!
Tori, I’m so happy you’re participating and that you already have the ingredients you need, that rocks.
I’m so excited everyone! I’m glad people are participating and already having fun coming up with ideas for their version of their burgers.
Dia says
How fun!! & I love the portobello mushroom idea – I get those at one of our restaurants – tho they also have burgers done with their own local pastured beef! & sweet potatoe fries – yummy!!
I made the most delightful nettle PESTO yesterday – which is almost all gone – but I have a good source of nettles for more (with coconut & olive oils – rich!) Glad you’re back, miss Suzie – I’ve also backed off from as much blogging as I did for awhile!! Balance 🙂