Yesterday was our anniversary. We don't exchange gifts for this or birthdays...and we're not supposed to buy gifts for each other at Christmas but we always do. I decided that I was just gonna cater to Tracy and make her whatever she wanted for meals. That would be my anniversary present to her. From the minute I started taking about getting the griddle she's been dreaming of bacon and pancake breakfast cooked and eaten out on the patio. I'm not a huge fan of pancakes but will eat them on occasion to make sure Tracy is happy. Her favorite bacon to go with them is the maple and brown sugar, one of the two flavors I make and keep on hand at all times.
Bacon defrosted
Pancake batter all done
Time for bacon to hit the flat top
At this point the neighbors are starting to send text messages asking what time breakfast was gonna be ready
Feeling like John Denver: got cakes on the griddle
Ready to eat. Cakes slathered in butter and an amazing Pennsylvania maple syrup
Knowing this wonderful day was gonna fall on a holiday weekend and I'd have all the time in the world to cook, I asked Tracy what she wanted most for our anniversary dinner. It took about 1/4 of a second for her to grin like the Cheshire cat and say cheeseburgers. Really? Anything in the world you want and you're asking for cheeseburgers? Yep...that's what I want. Bacon cheese burgers? Nope...just cheeseburgers. Ok, I get the point so guess what we're having for dinner?
1/2 pound burgers defrosted
Grilled on one side, flipped, add the smoked extra sharp cheddar cheese
Finally get to try what I've seen so many times on cooking shows: cover burgers with a pan and squirt water under the pan to steam and melt the cheese. Got some really yummy buns she picked up that morning lightly toasting also
The steam concept under the pan works like a dream!!
Done, into the house, and ready to start building the burgers
Tomato and onion
Add lettuce, a smear of mayo, side of chips and a pickle. time to chow down!!
Burger was perfectly cooked. Just a hint of pink in the center then top with all fresh veggies and this was a really good burger. She took pity on me since I was gonna be slaving over the hot griddle all day (NOT!!) and didn't make me cut up taters and cook fries. Her highlight was the burger and everything else was secondary. As much as Tracy enjoys a nice meal, I honestly can't say that she's pretentious or overly demanding. Very simple and down to earth. The nice meals are always my idea. When left up to her, it's a basic all American Memorial Day backyard burger and I was fine with that.
Happy Memorial Day everybody!!
Robert
Bacon defrosted
Pancake batter all done
Time for bacon to hit the flat top
At this point the neighbors are starting to send text messages asking what time breakfast was gonna be ready
Feeling like John Denver: got cakes on the griddle
Ready to eat. Cakes slathered in butter and an amazing Pennsylvania maple syrup
Knowing this wonderful day was gonna fall on a holiday weekend and I'd have all the time in the world to cook, I asked Tracy what she wanted most for our anniversary dinner. It took about 1/4 of a second for her to grin like the Cheshire cat and say cheeseburgers. Really? Anything in the world you want and you're asking for cheeseburgers? Yep...that's what I want. Bacon cheese burgers? Nope...just cheeseburgers. Ok, I get the point so guess what we're having for dinner?
1/2 pound burgers defrosted
Grilled on one side, flipped, add the smoked extra sharp cheddar cheese
Finally get to try what I've seen so many times on cooking shows: cover burgers with a pan and squirt water under the pan to steam and melt the cheese. Got some really yummy buns she picked up that morning lightly toasting also
The steam concept under the pan works like a dream!!
Done, into the house, and ready to start building the burgers
Tomato and onion
Add lettuce, a smear of mayo, side of chips and a pickle. time to chow down!!
Burger was perfectly cooked. Just a hint of pink in the center then top with all fresh veggies and this was a really good burger. She took pity on me since I was gonna be slaving over the hot griddle all day (NOT!!) and didn't make me cut up taters and cook fries. Her highlight was the burger and everything else was secondary. As much as Tracy enjoys a nice meal, I honestly can't say that she's pretentious or overly demanding. Very simple and down to earth. The nice meals are always my idea. When left up to her, it's a basic all American Memorial Day backyard burger and I was fine with that.
Happy Memorial Day everybody!!
Robert
