Best Burger Recipe to Kick Off Summer

Its been a cool and windy spring out west, but, Memorial Day is just a week away. With Memorial Day comes summer and the height of the griliing season, and I recently was given a great burger recipe.

We all have favorite ways to make burgers, and one thing we have abundant here in Durango Colorado is plenty of organically raised beef. An article in today's Durango Herald (www.durangoherald.com) states that Colorado has the highest percentage of organic meat. Yay, us! It really is tasty- and we are lucky to have several ranches that sell a variety of organically-raised meats at our Saturday Durango Farmers Market. Check it out- Saturdays at the First National Bank, 8-noon (or a bit later).

Now here's that burger recipe- Happy Grilling!

Black ‘n Blue Burgers

Ingredients

CAJUN SEASONING BLEND:

o 3 tablespoons ground cumin

o 3 tablespoons dried oregano

o 1 tablespoon garlic powder

o 1 tablespoon paprika

o 2 teaspoons salt

o 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

o (or you can use a store bought Cajun or blackened seasoning)

BURGERS:

o 1 pound ground beef

o ¼ cup finely chopped onion (optional)

o 1 teaspoon salt

o ½ teaspoon ground pepper

o 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Blend (recipe above)

o ½ to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

o ½ teaspoon Worsteshire sauce

o 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

o 4 hamburger buns

o Crumbled blue cheese

o Extra Cajun seasoning for coating of burgers (optional)

Directions

· Combine all seasoning blend ingredients in a small bowl or a zip lock plastic bag; mix well.

· In a bowl, combine the first eight burger ingredients; shape into four patties. Cook on a grill over medium-hot heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until burgers reach desired doneness.

· Place burgers on baking sheet and place blue cheese on top of each burger. Place in oven under broiler for ONE minute.

· Serve on toasted buns (if you'd like) and ENJOY!!!