By popular request...

Papa Burgers:

1 lb. 80/20 ground beef
3-4 pieces of bacon
1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
6 oz. of beer


Cut bacon into bite size pieces, cook bacon in a pan until crispy.  Pour Bacon and fat into a large bowl.  Put all of the remaining ingredients in the bowl. Mix all ingredients in a bowl (*note to pour bread crumbs and beer on top so the bread crumbs can soak up the flavor of the beer.

Makes 4 - 1/4 lb. burgers. Serve with caramelized onions.

I have made these burgers for my co-workers and they have been asking me for the recipe. So, here it is!

And now for a short history:  Originally I came up with these burgers for father's day.  My father is called Papa by my nephews (i.e. Grandpa = Papa).  As such my burger recipe I shortly thereafter dubbed "Papa burgers."  This was named for my father because of the day in which the recipe was created and because this recipe is also meant to only be enjoyed once a year, preferably on father's day. :-)

Happy Independence Day

So it's a cook out, you forgot you were supposed to bring a salad and no where is open.  What do you make?

Here is a tried and true crowd pleaser and it is likely you have some if not all of these three ingredients on hand.

Cucumber Caprese Salad:
2 Lg. English Cucumbers (I use English/Hothouse Cucs because it saves time on peeling, but use any cucumbers you want, but if you use conventional cucumbers just be sure to peel them.)
1 pkg. of TJs Sun-dried Tomatoes
1 16 oz pkg. of Hormone-free fresh Mozzarella (If you can afford it, Mozzarella di Bufala is the best!)
1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I prefer a high-quality first cold press Italian Olive Oil but any EVOO will work.)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Simply dice cucumbers and cheese.  Mix all ingredients and serve!  Easy and delicious!