Burger Bar

Cooking Instructions

Preheat outdoor barbecue to medium hot. Take a few paper towels and fold them several times to make a thick square, blot some oil on it, and carefully and quickly wipe the grates to make a non-stick surface.

Season 2 pounds of brisket (ground twice) in a bowl with some salt and pepper. Give it about 3 turns in the bowl with your hands or a big spoon. Shape ground beef into 8 patties.

Once the grill is hot, put the patties on and cook, about 7 minutes per side for rare burgers, and 8 minutes per side for medium burgers. During the final minute of cooking, throw a slice of Swiss cheese on desired burgers. Toast the buns cut side down for about 1 minute, just to mark them.

Prepare toppings as desired.

Tomatoes With Sea Salt and Chives: Thickly slice 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and 1/2 bunch chopped fresh chives.

Bacon With Rosemary: Lay out 1/2 pound sliced bacon on a baking sheet, strip leaves from 1 sprig rosemary and throw them on top with lots of cracked black pepper and roast at 400 degrees F until the bacon is crisp, about 10 minutes.

Herbed Horseradish Mayonnaise: Stir together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1/4 cup freshly minced herbs such as parsley, basil, chives or scallion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a little squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Serve the hamburgers in toasted buns with desired accompaniments.