Burgers: Improving on a Classic?

Burgers. Is it possible to improve on a classic?

At home in Chicago, burgers have been a staple since I can remember. Hot off the grill, covered in melted cheddar, and topped with ketchup and mustard. Put it all on a toasted sesame bun (with a side of corn on the cob) and all I can think about are warm summer days spent at the pool.

But when I took an internship for marthastewart.com, I felt like it was time to shake things up on the grill. So I did some experimenting this summer to try to answer my question.

Experiment No. 1: Turkey Burger

As an athlete, I am always looking for healthier variations of my favorite foods, and this tasty little number never fails to satisfy! The trick is to keep the lean meat moist. I love adding a chopped-up apple and shredded carrots to lock in the juices and ramp up the flavor. My mom likes to top hers with cranberry sauce for added sweetness, but I prefer guacamole and gooey cheddar cheese!

Experiment No. 2: Lamb Burger

Eyebrows definitely rose when I brought home ground lamb from the butcher earlier this summer, but after a few bites of these outrageously juicy burgers, my family was hooked! (Just like Alison and her sister.) Try stuffing these mini burgers into a pita with spinach leaves, tomato, and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Experiment No. 3: Bison Burger

Closest in taste to beef, bison is lean on fat but loaded with flavor. Topping this burger with barbecue sauce and sauteed onions offers a delicious burger option.

After heating up the kitchen, I hit the streets to find inspiration from New York City's top chefs. I tasted an Italian-seasoned turkey burger with mozzarella cheese, an inside-out burger wrapped in lettuce leaves, and a variety of standard diner burgers with the help of my roommate, Mike. (In New York City or out, burger devotees can get the latest burger news at A Hamburger Today -- more inspiration!)

The verdict: Although experimentation and top-chef concoctions are all well and good, as I am packing up to return to the Midwest, I can’t wait to enjoy the All-American classic from my favorite grill-master -- my dad. Maybe it's the chef, or maybe it's the great summer memories, but for me this classic just can't get any better!

What's your favorite burger twist?

Comments

[Kiki]

Of late we LOVE putting a few jalepeno pepper slices from our garden on the burger and under the melted cheese.

If you're counting carbs this is totally on plan.. if you're counting calories not so much.

[Carolyn S.]

Ground pork also makes delicious, juicy burgers.

[Julie]

I'd love to hear about your internship if you get a moment to e-mail me!