burger and fries.. nothing simpler than that..

I am really loving the fish sauce lately.. I know your thinking what in the world.. but it just adds such a unique depth of flavor.. so for the last 2 or 3 times i've made burgers i have added a tablespoon or so of fish sauce.. shh don't tell my kids they really like the burgers but they will protest..

burgers

prep time: 30 minutes
cooking time: 10 minutes
servings: approx. 6

ingredients:

2 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 tblsp. of fish sauce
1/2 tbls. worcestershire sauce
1/2 tbls. garlic powder
1/2 tbls. onion poweder
pepper to taste ( you don't need salt because the fish sauce is salty enough)
hamburger buns
olive oil
smokey thousand island dressing (recipe found here) (optional)
onion (optional)
tomato (optional)
pickles (optional)
bacon (optional)
guacamole (optional)
grilled pineapple rings (optional)
your favorite cheese

(my pickles look like to 2 eyes.. he looks like a smiling burger..)

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.. (don't over handle your meat).. shape into 6 hamburger patties.. (at this point i leave them on the cutting board and place in the fridge usually about 20 minutes, just while i fire up the bbq and do other things.. it allows the ingredients to marry so to speak) then on a medium high grill cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.. depending on your level of doneness you like.. we like ours medium) right before taking your burgers off. place a slice of cheese on each burger... then brush your buns with a little olive oil cut side and place on the grill.. watch them carefully so not to burn.. then assemble your burger with your desired toppings.. i had (which is the above picture) smoky sauce, chiplote cheddar cheese, fiery pickles and onions.. everyone had different toppings.. its nice when you have a variety of toppings everyone can make that special burgers just for them..

oven fries

prep time: 10 minutes
cooking time: 40 minutes
servings: approx. 6

ingredients:

5 medium russet potatoes, cut into fries

canola oil

salt

toss all the ingredients together.. place on a lined baking sheet.. cook in a 425 degree (f) oven for 20 minutes.. remove and using a spatula flip them over to the other side.. put back in the oven for an additional 20 minutes or until done and your desired crispness..