How to make the Peyton Manning Burger!

What a month - I am thinking of changing the name to my blog to “Cooking with an Oven!”  It has been over 30 days since my oven went “ka-put!”  I have realized in these past 30 days or so, how much cooking I do using my oven.  Dinner planning has been a challenge in itself.  I have been trying to eat better, but it’s hard to bake fish with no oven!  So, I have defaulted to frying my fish on the stovetop (Don’t tell my Doctor!)  I have found myself frying too much on the stovetop and using the microwave.  I just need a repairman that will come out to fix the oven on MY TIME.  Hopefully my oven can be fixed, because if not comes the questions: “Do I change my appliance colors?”, followed by “Black or Stainless Steel?” And you know if I replace the stove, the refrigerator is going to have a meltdown, and I will have to replace it, too, Murphy’s Law!  I guess that is what happens when all of your appliances are the same age – over 10 years old!

Now that I have that off my chest, this month I am bringing to you two delicious recipes that feature Indiana Maple Syrup.  As a new blogger, I was honored to be asked to participate as a Judge in the National Maple Syrup Festival Sweet Victory Challenge in Medora, Indiana.  Knowing that I was going to be part of this festival, I decided to come up with my own clever recipe spin – and that is what I am sharing with you’ all – my maple syrup infused hamburger, The Peyton Manning Burger!

Wow, this recipe is one to keep in my Playbook – a guaranteed Touch Down for sure!  And you will be scoring extra points when you serve this burger to your family and friends.

Manning Mayo:

½ Cup Mayonnaise

½ Cup crumbled Bleu Cheese

1 Tablespoon Real Maple Syrup

For Burgers:

1 pound of Maple cured or infused Bacon

1 ½ pounds of Ground Round, Ground Chuck or Ground Beef

½ Cup of Chunky Applesauce

1 teaspoon of your favorite Steak or Grilling Seasoning

2 Tablespoons of Real Maple Syrup

½ teaspoon Salt

½ teaspoon Pepper

1 sliced Red Onion

Leaf Lettuce

Hamburger Buns

You will need to make the Manning Mayo first – In a bowl mix all the ingredients, cover and place in the refrigerator until needed.

Next – In a large pan, fry your bacon until done – set onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.  Drain bacon grease from pan, reserving one Tablespoon for frying your burger (unless you plan to grill them outdoors).  While your bacon is frying, you can combine in a large bowl the ground meat, applesauce, maple syrup and the seasonings.  Mix thoroughly, but don’t over work the meat.  Divide into six patties and fry to your liking.

Place the leaf lettuce and a slice or two of the red onion on the bottom of your hamburger bun s and add the burgers.  Now top with the maple-cured bacon and add a generous dollop of the Manning Mayo and complete with the bun top.  Pass complete, 1^st and GOAL!

In developing this recipe, I have learned – by mistake- a few things.  Cinnamon & beef don’t go together, and if you cook bacon with maple syrup and brown sugar, you get a salty candy treat.  I hope you enjoy this Burger as much as the  Indianapolis-area and beyond have enjoyed Peyton and all he has done for the Colts, the City and many charities… you will be missed, Peyton!

Until next time – Keep your Foodie Fluids Flowing, and AG Me On!