Sometimes we overlook the simple tastes & pleasures in pursuit of the newest & best. For the carnivores among us this would translate to ignoring the all mighty burger in search of Kobe Beef or Porter House Steak. There is certainly a great joy or even a guilty pleasure to be found in either of those high ticket & high quality items but not the simple joy of that first bite of a perfectly cooked Burger fresh off the broiler, grill or griddle.
There are as many opinions onto the methods of cooking a great burger as there are burger places. The basics though remain the same. Start with fresh ground beef, season at start and finish and do not, (I mean never, ever) flatten with a spatula or cooking utensil. This only squeezes the juices out & drys them to a shoe leather consistency.
The American Burger is one of those things that leaves memories that last a lifetime, brings joy to us all and creates cravings that must be met, before bovine withdrawl cripples us with desire. The type of cravings that cause you to smell the smoke, feel the subtle bits of fat melt away in your mouth and has you salivating as you drive to your favorite burger joint. One of mine is in Delaware County, Zac's http://www.zacsburgers.com/ is a great local place with its hand formed patties and thick rich shakes. There truly is nothing more satifying that a fresh, hand made burger cooked to order & seasoned to perfection.
