The Perfect Burger

Description: Here are the ingredients & the instructions to make the perfect burger! Although it may not be the healthiest, use medium ground beef for moistness & flavour. The leaner varieties produce burgers that are drier with a denser, tighter texture. Don't use previously frozen meat as juices are lost during defrosting. If making ahead, cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate for no more than a day. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon mustard (regular or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lb medium ground beef
• 1 tablespoon creamy caesar salad dressing or 1 tablespoon Greek salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomato
• 1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 tablespoon yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind or 1 tablespoon lime rind
• 1 tablespoon grated gingerroot
• 1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh herb
• 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
• 1 fresh jalapenos or 1 pickled jalapeno pepper, chopped

Steps:

1. Lightly oil grill& heat BBQ to medium.
2. Whisk egg in a bowl& add next 6 ingredients.
3. Add any of the “stir-ins” that appeal to you.
4. Crumble in beef& using your hands or a fork, gently mix together.
5. Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets.
6. Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers about ¾ inch thick.
7. Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the centre of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking.
8. Place burgers on the grill, close lid& BBQ until NO LONGER PINK INSIDE, turning once, about 6 – 8 minutes per side.
9. An instant read thermometer should read 160F.
10. Don't abuse your burgers by pressing with a spatula, pricking with a fork or turning frequently as precious juices will be lost!
11. Tuck into a warm crusty bun& add your favourite toppings.