According to a report released July 6, 2011, food industry consulting firm Technomic says, "Almost half of Americans, 48 percent, eat a burger once a week, up from 38 percent in 2009." The report also adds that, "Aside from burgers being a good value, this increase is attributed to the growth of "better burger" chains that have raised consumers' consumer expectations."
Maybe I don't frequent "better burger chains" enough but I've never been fond of hamburgers. Generally speaking, I'm not a consumer of red meat and neither am I going to eat a burger once a week. Let's face it, burgers have never tasted that interesting. At best, they taste like meatloaf on a bun. I've also tried turkey burgers and veggie burgers and while they are supposed to be better for you, they have about as much taste as corrugated cardboard. Over the years, I've discovered the only thing that seems to make burgers appetizing are large quantities of condiments and toppings. For starters, I'll mix in ketchup, mustard (I stock about four different types in my fridge) and mayonnaise. I'll also add pickles, lettuce, slices of avocado and tomatoes (Sometimes a slice of cheese, other than American). If I really want to go crazy, I'll buy a fancy bread, in an attempt to really dress it up!
Regretfully, I've come to the conclusion what what I've actually been doing all along was disguising the taste of the burger and again, I find myself wishing burgers tasted better. As a matter of luck, I came across an amazing interactive feature (I won't mention from where....) that has an incredible array of Recipes for Burgers.
I haven't tried all of the recipes but I envision these new fangled burgers as the start of a journey or a great way to top off the Summer (Yes, I know, my pleasures are simple!). You will be impressed by some of the exotic twists and ingredients added to augment the dignity of the traditional burger. There are even a few alternatives for folks who don't eat red meat or who are strictly vegetarians and these look delicious too!
Enjoy and be good!
what are you talking about? you make turkey burgers all the time? and yeah they usually are 2 steps up from corrugated cardboard, but "healthy" right?
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