Napping with Uncle Will's Burgers

Summer is meant to be enjoyed outdoors, and for foodies that means grilling. I love to grill whenever I am out of the city, which is why our trip to Cooperstown has been so much fun. Since everyone in my family is an excellent cook, we often find ourselves swapping ideas and stories whenever we are together. This week my brother, Will - affectionately called "Uncle Will" by my daughter - served up this great burger recipe. It is delicious. These burgers are so perfectly seasoned, moist and flavorful that I ate two! It is appropriate that we have started calling Will "The Grill-time Chef," to compliment his sister The Naptime Chef, grilling is clearly his domain. Perhaps this is just the recipe you need for your cookout this weekend!


Uncle Will's Burgers
Yields 8 large burgers
3 lbs. ground round (85% lean), grass-fed beef preferred
3 T. Cholula Hot Sauce (or any comparable red pepper hot sauce)
3 T. Worcestershire Sauce
3 t. garlic powder
3 t. onion powder
8 deli slices of sharp cheddar, broken up into quarter size pieces
8 Potato Hamburger Buns, lightly toasted
16 Onion Rings (we used Baked Ore-Ida brand, but anything is fine)
8 lettuce leaves

1. In a large bowl combine ground round, cholula, Worscestershire, garlic powder, onion powder and pieces of cheddar cheese. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
2. Form 8 equally sized burger patties. If there is any remaining cheese save it and put it on the burgers during grilling.
3. Grill burgers over medium heat until cooked to desired wellness.
4. Place each burger on a potato bun. Layer lettuce, two onion rings and a dollop of ketchup. Top with bun and serve.

Uncle Will's Burger Grilling Tips: When making the burgers don't pack the meat too tightly. During grilling do NOT push the burgers down on the grill, this squeezes out all the flavorful juices and leaves the meat dry.