Day 10
We finished Day 1 with a cheeseburger from the stretch of food exits, on I-80, known (to Gina's family) as Hamburger Alley. Day 10, was a hamburger from home. Maybe it is the iron in the red meat? Who cares, because I am not complaining! Today, Gina stated she did not want anything overly spicy, and then followed this with the desire for a burger, as in, "I want a burger". Easy enough.
This is the perfect and most quintessential method for grilling a burger. It is simple, but you must have everything in place and ready to go. The 90/10 ratio of protein to fat, whole wheat bread, and a side of veggies is a far better alternative to fast food burgers and fries.
This recipe serves two:
1. 12 oz free range and hormone free ground beef, using a 90/10 ratio of protein to fat.
(if you don't have access to hormone free and 90/10 ground beef then do the best you can)
2. 4 slices whole wheat bread
3. 2 slices cheddar cheese
4. Kosher salt and pepper (fresh cracked pepper is optimal) to taste-very important!
5. Frozen spinach
The magic to this burger is the preparation and minimal touching. An hour prior to cooking move the beef from the refrigerator to an open and clean counter in order to bring up the temperature. This will reduce the amount of shock when the meat is placed on the grill. Heat the grill. Do not cook on a cold grill. The coals must be white/gray in color and heat. If using a gas grill, the grill must be hot.
Divide the beef in halves and form two patties, but do not over handle the the meat. The form should not be too thick, don't be afraid to make a wide and somewhat thinner patty. As soon as the patties are formed place them on a plate. Season with salt and pepper and move to the grill.
Lay the patties on the grill seasoned side down . This allows the seasoning to cook in to the meat. Do not press down on the meat, it is a sin! It will harm the texture by pushing out the heavenly juices, therefore transforming it in to a hockey puck.
Wait for a few minutes, then flip the burgers. You must discover your own grill's cook time. I go for 3-5 minutes per side. When there is two minutes remaining lay the cheese on the burgers. Lay the bread down, and flip to toast both sides.
That's it, enjoy your perfect burger! As for condiments, Gina likes tomatoes and mayonnaise (try to find egg-less, as most commercial mayonnaise contain raw eggs, which are not recommended for pregnant women).
For a side, and for this pregnancy, we like sauteed spinach, fresh and grilled zucchini, or sauteed green peas (frozen not canned). Choose healthy for you and your special lady.
