What‘s For Dinner?
As summer approaches and the days get longer, it’s easy to find yourself intimidated by the age-old question: What am I going to make for dinner?
Whether it’s after a long day at the office, or a relaxing Sunday afternoon, we’ve all experienced the uncertainty of dinner plans. And with grilling season upon us, there’s a much more attractive solution to this problem than ordering takeout – a juicy, nutrient-dense grilled burger.
Bruce Ranch ground beef is an 90/10 blend, making it the perfect ratio of fat to lean protein for a burger with tremendous flavor and juicy texture. Plus, you can feel good about eating healthy, slow-grown ANGUS beef that is coming directly to you from this local family ranch in the Owyhee Mountains. (Thank you for supporting local agriculture!)
The best part of cooking a burger is its simplicity. You can never go wrong with the classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and condiments. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even spice up your burger by adding whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand! Don’t be afraid to get in touch with your imagination and have fun!
Need a bit more inspiration to get outside and grill?
How about checking out D.J Lyttle, a local burger enthusiast who specializes in cooking gourmet burgers. You can find his weekly “TEST KITCHEN” posts on both Instagram and Facebook @Burgerboi_Boise, where he shares his personal creations that are both inspiring and delicious.
One of the unique things about DJ is his focus on local community. When I asked him about this, he shared; “Everyone likes to eat, so when you have this commonality of eating and being merry and sharing good thoughts, it’s connecting and motivating.” I had the chance to speak with DJ this week, who gave me some tips on creating the perfect burger:
Check Out @Burgerboi_Boise on Instagram or Facebook for creative burger creations.
Q: What are your top two or three burger recipes from your “Test Kitchen” posts?
A: “A few of my favorites from my Test Kitchen creations are “The Verde” and “The Prime”. I also really enjoyed “The Au Poivre”. If you want something simpler, you can never go wrong with a classic bacon cheeseburger, or even a double cheeseburger if you have the appetite for it.”
Q: Do you have any tips for crafting the perfect burger?
“I have a saying, to make the ordinary extraordinary. I am always trying to level up my creations, but I think the most important thing to start with is a good source of ground beef, make sure you have a quality bun, and everything that comes after that is a bonus as far as what you like. I prefer a medium cooked burger, as it is the best way to achieve both juiciness and a nice char on the outside.”
Q: Do you have any suggestions for local ingredients to pair with your burger?
A: “I would encourage everybody to checkout local farmers markets and/or CSA’s (community supported agriculture) programs in order to find the freshest ingredients, including great locally made hamburger buns. I also recommend Lark and Larder, a locally owned and operated grocery store that offers baked goods and fresh vegetables that pair well with burgers.”
Q: Do you recommend any tools or gadgets for grilling?
A: “I cook on a flat top griddle. The griddle gives you a consistent crust and cook throughout. I also use parchment paper squares to form my patties so I can easily slip them onto the grill. Make sure that you thaw and prepare your meat properly. If you have a grill, definitely use it.”
“Cooking and eating food outdoors makes it taste infinitely better than the same meal prepared and consumed indoors.” - Fennel Hudson
So, the next time you ask yourself what’s for dinner, remember that you can never go wrong with a burger. Plus, grilling is a great way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors of Idaho this time of year!
Happy Grilling!
From left to right. @Burgerboi_boise “The Old School”, “The DBC.”