All American Cheeseburger!

(Sorry about the picture. I can't figure out how to rotate it so that you can see it the way I took it.)

Today's recipe is dedicated to a British friend who is craving an "Authentic American Burger." I hope he likes this and I hope you do too.

Cheeseburgers

serves 2

• 1/2 lb ground beef chuck, 85% lean-15% fat ratio
• 2 TBS softened butter
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 TBS Worcestshire sauce
• 2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste 
• 3 TBS cooking oil of your choice (I used a 50/50 mix of olive oil and bacon grease) 

  Mix all ingredients well in a medium sized bowl. Once mixed together, divide meat mixture in half and roll each half in your hands to make a ball.  Flatten each ball to desired thickness on a plate and season once more with salt and pepper.
    Over medium heat, place a heavy bottomed skillet (a.k.a. frying pan for those of you across the pond) and add your cooking oil. When the pan is good and hot, gently add the burger patties. The oil and grease will pop and sputter, so be careful. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the burgers only once or twice. One minute before removing burgers from pan, add a slice of your choice of cheese (I like cheddar or swiss). Once cheese has melted lightly, remove burgers to a paper towel lined plate to rest.

To Serve

     On a separate plate, assemble your burger accessoriess: sliced onion, sliced tomato, dill pickle slices, lettuce and of course the all important hamburger bun. Place burger on bottom half of bun and top with your choice of the accessories. I like to use onion, pickle, lettuce and a small dollop of tomato ketchup.

    The final accessory that I like to add for a true American experience is a nice cold milkshake.

Strawberry Milkshake

• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 scoops strawberry ice cream
• 4 or 5 fresh strawberries, sliced
• Dollop of whipped cream

  Place strawberries, ice cream and milk in a blender and blend for one minute. Pour into a tall glass, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a couple of strawberry slices.
*If you want a thicker milkshake, just increase the amount of ice cream.

Again, sorry about the picture.