The Ultimate Burger Recipe

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs. lean beef

1 head iceberg lettuce (or whichever you prefer)

1 large tomato

light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)

dill pickles

4 slices reduced-fat cheese (I like American)

Whole wheat buns

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt and pepper

PREPARATION:

Put the beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste (usually about a teaspoon each) and the minced garlic. Use your hands --get gritty-- and mix this altogether. (Don't overhandle the beef; the less you handle, the more moist and tender the meat will be.)

Flatten the beef in the bowl and use your hand to make a cross in the meat, dividing it into 4 equal sections.

Take each section and roll into a ball, then flatten into a patty. A good technique is to press out from the middle gently with your thumbs.

If not using a grill --which I don't because i'm poor and don't have any outdoors-- poor the olive oil in a flat pan over medium-high heat and cook each patty. Depending on your taste, 1-2 minutes per side.

When you're on the second side, layer 1 slice of cheese atop each patty to melt.

Serve with all the fixins you want! The more veggies the better.