Classic Cheeseburgers on Homemade Buns

If you truly want a rest from your labors this Labor Day, then plan ahead for a big and easy burger cook out. I've got three scrumptious burgers to share with you this week: a classic and juicy beef cheeseburger, a tomatillo turkey burger with a creamy avocado sauce, and a brown rice and black bean vegetarian patty with zingy southwest veggies. Make all three for a big burger bash, or choose one for a small get together. I won't be able to help you choose which one; so help me, I love them all. Whichever one you choose, be sure to make these homemade hamburger buns for an over the top burger experience. (I'll post some whole wheat hamburger buns later in the week, per the request of my favorite Hawaiian blogger Deb.)
Sample Labor Day Menu:
Grilled Burgers on Homemade Buns
Gourmet Kettle Chips (I'm addicted to the Spicy Thai-try um!)
corn on the cob
veggies and dip
watemelon
Ice Cream Torte (scroll down to yesterday's post for recipes)
Money Saving Tips: Every grocery store in town is going to have ground meat, condiments, chips and ice cream on sale for Labor Day. Take advantage and stock up. If the meat is a really good deal, buy a big package, portion it up at home, and freeze it for another day.
Classic Cheeseburgers
Estimated Cost: $8.00 for four
Notes: I make a condiment rich crunchy lettuce salad for these burgers, and then I skip condiments on the bun.
1 and 1/3 pound ground beef (not too lean)
1 egg
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
sliced cheese, (sharp cheddar or swiss work best)
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
sliced tomatoes,
sliced dill pickles
sliced red onion

In a medium bowl, lightly combine meat, egg, garlic, Worcestershire, pepper, and salt. Shape into patties. (Patties can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, if desired.) Preheat grill for medium hot cooking. Grill patties about four minutes per side, topping with cheese for last minute of cooking. Let rest, covered, for five minutes, to finish cooking from residual heat. Meanwhile, combine lettuce, mayonnaise and mustard in a medium bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. To make burgers, layer lettuce mixture, patty, tomato, pickle and onion on bottom buns. Cover with top buns and serve.

Homemade Hamburger Buns
Estimated Cost: $2.00 for 10
Notes: These buns will take your burger from so-so to unforgettable. Make them a couple days ahead and freeze them, or bake them up fresh. Use all purpose flour for a soft rich bun.
1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon, divided
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, plus more for buttering bowl
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, yolk and white divided
2 and 1/4 teaspoon yeast (I use SAF)
3 cups flour

In a microwave safe small bowl, combine 1 cup milk, sugar and butter. Heat until butter just melts and mixture is warm but not hot. If it is hot, wait until it is lukewarm to proceed. In a large bowl, combine salt, egg white, yeast, and flour-one cup at a time, to form a soft dough. (In a separate small bowl, combine remaining egg yolk and tablespoon of milk). Knead dough briefly, about three minutes. Butter same bowl, replace dough, cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled. (At this point, you could punch the dough down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, or until ready to proceed.) Shape dough into 10 separate round buns. You can roll them out and cut them with a biscuit cutter, or you can simply shape them into 10 round buns. Let rise on a greased baking sheet for about 45 minutes, or until light and risen. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush buns with egg yolk mixture. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until nicely browned. Coming Tomorrow:
A Brief Break from Burgers for Barefoot Thursdays
Grilled Lemon and Rosemary Chicken Tenders and a Bonus