Burgers and fries are the quintessential Americana food. This juicy burger is like something from your favorite late night diner but turned up a notch with the bourbon caramelized onions.  It’s important to use only the best ingredients.

Makes 4 burgers

1 lb ground grass fed beef

1 large organic vidalia onion, sliced

8 slices Vermont cheddar cheese

4 good quality hamburger rolls

1/4 cup good quality bourbon ie; Elijah Craig

2-3 tbs. sunflower oil or vegetable oil

1 stick softened organic butter

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

1 large organic sweet potato, washed and peeled (peeling is optional the skin is where vitamins/nutrients are)

1 large organic russet potato, washed leave skin on (it’s where the vitamins are)

For Special Sauce

1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise

1/3 cup ketchup

1/3 cup yellow mustard

3 tbs. sweet pickle relish

Directions

Make oven baked fries first. Heat oven 450 degrees. Slice potatoes vertically then slice into fries  horizontally. Try to keep in even pieces so they cook evenly(not to thin). In a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper add the sliced potatoes and drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Toss potatoes with your hands and coat them with the oil and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Turning them after 20 minutes. (Temperature of ovens vary so it might take longer or not so check on them frequently towards the end). Potatoes should be golden brown. When done remove and keep warm.

Make special sauce while oven baked fries cook.

In a medium bowl mix all four of the ingredients well and set aside.

Next, make bourbon caramelized onions.

In a medium pan over medium heat, add two tablespoons of butter.  As it starts to melt add onions sauté about 10-15 minutes until caramelized not black. As onions turn golden, add the bourbon and continue to sauté until it evaporates into the onions. Turn off heat and set aside.

Butter the burger buns (lightly)

In a large bowl put ground meat and portion eight pieces. ( do not over handle and mix meat to avoid tough burgers).  Gently make each portion into a loose ball.  Season top and bottom well with salt and pepper.

In a large deep pan or stovetop griddle over Medium high heat. Heat oil with a metal spatula spread oil evenly over pan/griddle.

If using a deep pan place two balls of meat in the pan leaving enough space to turn (if you have a griddle you could fit about four burgers). Using your spatula press each piece until flat and cook. Don’t  touch patty until you see the sides start to cook approximately 3-5 minutes. Flip the burgers (you should have a nice brown crust formed on the cooked side). Add a slice of cheese to each burger. Place your buns in pan buttered side down and cook until toasted. Your burgers and buns should be done once cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted (approximately 2-3minutes). Don’t  over cook meat.

Assemble your burger. Spread a teaspoon of special sauce on bottom bun then place two burger patties one on top of each other, top with some onions and add top bun and enjoy!