Best Cheeseburger Ever!!!

I mean, you really can't go wrong with a good cheeseburger...and boy is this one fabulous!!!  The mix of the tangy sauce,  caramelized mushrooms and onions and melted cheese makes this burger one for the record books!

Between Jay and I, we have finally mastered what it takes to make a fabulous cheeseburger every time.  First off, you must use 85% lean ground chuck.  I know in most of my posts I am all about the 93% lean beef....but you CAN'T use this when making hamburgers!  Trust me!  Also, if your grocery store only has 80% lean, choose that over ground sirloin or round which will be less flavor.  As a general rule 1.5 lbs of ground beef will make 4 patties.  

Also, to season your burgers, you only need a bit of salt and pepper.  This way you will enhance the beef without masking the flavor.

Lastly, don't overwork the ground beef.  The more you handle and squeeze it, the more you risk losing it's juicy, tender texture.  Make sure you handle it with care when mixing in any spices and forming it into patties.  And, whatever you do, don't press on your burgers while they are on the grill ; you'll only press out the juices.

Now, remember these tips and follow the steps below, and you will be on your way to enjoying the best burger ever!!!

Burger Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs of ground beef (85% lean)
• 4 slices of Gruyere or Provolone Cheese
• 4 good quality hamburger buns, toasted

Directions

1. Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper.  
2. Gently and briefly mix the seasoning into the meat - do not squeeze!    
3. Gently form the meat into generous patties that are between 1 and 1 1/4 inches thick (about 3.5 inches in diameter).  
4. Make a deep depression in the center of each patty using your thumb or a spoon to ensure they don't puff up in the middle while they cook.  
5. Grill over a medium-hot fire and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Topping Ingredients

• 2-3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil (more as needed)
• 1/3 cup of mayonaise
• 1 tsp finley chopped rosemary
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbs Dijon mustard
• 1.5 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 package of pre-cleaned sliced mushrooms
• 12 fresh arugula leaves

Directions

1. Combine the mayo, rosemary, garlic, Dijon mustard and lemon joice in a small bowl.  Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Saute the mushroom and onion in the olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and tender - about 15-20 minutes.

Once the burgers are done and all toppings have been prepared.  Build your burger as you so desire....and voila.....the worlds best cheeseburger!!!

Until next time...

XOXO

Suzanne

J'adore Paris au printemps!

This spring I had the pleasure of heading to Paris again for a quick 3 day trip.  I must say, it doesn't get much better than strolling through the streets of Paris with the sun beaming down, the flowers in bloom and the cafe's overflowing with locals and tourists alike.  Also, seeing as how this is the place Jay proposed, Paris will always hold a special place in my heart!

For this trip, I decided that I didn't want to spend any time inside any of the fabulous museums throughout the city.  Instead, I wanted to spend my time simply soaking in the Parisian lifestyle and enjoying all it has to offer.  So...I ate alot, shopped alot and walked ALOT!

In my past trips, I always thought it was the funniest thing to see someone walking down the street eating a huge loaf of french bread.  So, since I was trying to soak in the Parisian lifestyle, I had to get me some bread. (and of course some macaroons)

I stopped at the first bakery I saw and ordered the biggest loaf they had.  I was set! I took off strolling down the Champs Elysee on my way to the Eiffel Tower.  When I approached, I was so excited to see the tulips and cherry trees in bloom.  Luckily, I finished my loaf of bread just in time to capture a few shots.                             

I then decided to head over to  St. Germain  for a bit of shopping.  However, I ended up doing more window shopping then anything else.  That US exchange rate gets me every time!  After perusing past the stores on the Rue de Bac, one of my favorite little streets in the area, I decided to head over for a bite to eat at the ever popular Cafe de Flore.  The classic Art Deco interior of all red seating, mahogany and mirrors has changed little since World War II. Like its neighboring cafe, Les Deux Magots, it has hosted a wide array of the French intellectuals.

                       

After lunch I took a nice relaxing stroll along the Seine, stopping only to people watch and to grab a nutella crepe!  (which are my absolute fave!!!)  Below are a few of the shots I took as night fell over The City of Lights.

Louvre Museum

Pont Alexandre III

Musee D'Orsay

Notre Dame

Musee D'Orsay

My second day started with a stroll past the Notre Dame and through one of my favorite islands, Ile Saint- Louis.   This little island is located just behind the Notre Dame and has the best ice cream in Paris!

gardens behind the Notre Dame

bridge over the Seine connecting Ile de la Cite and Ile St-Louis (just behind the Notre Dame)

I then made my way to Le Marais, where I spent the rest of my day.  This is one of the oldest parts of Paris and it is absolutely beautiful.  The area had a quaint, small town feel with narrow winding streets bustling with pedestrians.  And, if you love local boutiques - which I do - then this is a must visit!  There were local boutiques around every twist and turn on every street!   This area looks just like what I would imagine when people would talk about Paris.  This was my first time visiting Le Marais and it is now my absolute fave!  

My stay in Paris ended this evening with a stroll past the Eiffel Tower, just in time to see it light up in all its glory!

Until next time...

XOXO

Suzanne

Spaghetti w/ Chicken & Grape Tomatoes

While on Pinterest I ran across this fabulous blog, skinnytaste.com.  This is quickly become one of my "go-to" websites for healthy recipes.  The recipe below was adapted from one of the recipes from that blog.  It is healthy, light and flavorful - perfect for an easy summer time dinner.  Serve it with a side salad and you're ready to go!  And - if you want to add a pop of color to your dish, simply sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top before serving.

Ingredients:

• 3 skinless chicken breast halves, diced into 1 inch cubes
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• 1/2 tsp of dried oregano
• salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 10 oz of whole wheat spaghetti 
• 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 6 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• grated Parmesan to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook noodles as directed on the box.   
2. Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano and basil. 
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on med - high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook about 4 minutes, until no longer pink. 
5. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. Using the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and chopped garlic.   Saute the garlic on med-high heat until golden brown.
7. Add tomatoes with a bit of salt and pepper.
8. Reduce heat to med - low and saute for about 5 minutes.
9. Add drained pasta into the skillet with the tomatoes and toss well.
10. Add chicken to skillet.
11. Let simmer for a few minutes to let flavors meld together before serving.
12. Top with a bit of grated Parmesan before serving.

Enjoy!!!

Until next time...

XOXO

Suzanne