Indulge In {Cheeseburgers in Paradise}

I welcomed you to Margaritaville yesterday. Now it's time to enjoy a little Cheeseburger in Paradise (I promise the Buffet song titles will end today.). I'm sure you're thinking I'm crazy for posting about cheeseburgers, but the art of the burger is something that few have mastered. I found it hard to get my burger to the perfect temperature and maintain a level moistness...until now. Jimmy may like his with lettuce, tomato, Heinz 57, and French fried potatoes, but I like mine with a bit of worcestershire and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Here's my recipe for creating the perfect cheeseburger.

:: Ingredients ::
Ground Beef (I use 80/20 because the fat gives flavor)
Worcestershire
Salt
Pepper
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slices
Buns

:: Directions ::
1. Begin by forming patties to desired size.
2. Salt and pepper the top side of the burger and drizzle with worcestershire. Place seasoned side down on grill.
3. Season the other side and drizzle with additional worcestershire.
4. Flip burger after about 4 minutes. Cook until desired temperature is reached. Top with cheese to melt and serve on a toasted bun.

Indulge In {Homemade Guacamole}

For Christmas this year, I got an amazing lava stone pestal and mortal set. It's perfect for muddling fruit for cocktails, herbs for cooking, and most importantly making fresh guacamole! Guacamole is one of my favorite snacks especially for large gatherings. It's simple to make and makes a big impact. It doesn't really require a lot of work and is almost impossible to mess up. Here's my recipe for party perfect guacamole.

:: Ingredients ::
3 Ripe Haas Avocados
1 Small Slicing Tomato, diced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Lime, juiced
1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
Salt & Pepper

:: Directions ::
1. Slice and pit the avocados into a large bowl.
2. Add the tomato, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Muddle or mash with a fork to combine.
3. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Delightful Dining {Stuffed Peppers}

So a couple of weeks ago I went on a little trip back home to visit my parents for the weekend. And being the good parents that they are, they sent me home with food! Namely their leftovers, but when your parents are as good of cooks as mine are, then leftovers are a delight! Anyways, they sent me home with these delicious stuffed tomatoes.  And being the food hog that I am, poor R didn't get to eat any of it. Feeling kind of bad for taking all the deliciousness to myself, I decided to try to recreate the recipe but with peppers. I had seriously thought the good cook gene had passed me by, but after this creation, maybe I do have it! Plus these are super easy, quick, and you can add whatever you have in the fridge! Here's what I did....

For the Stuffing (makes enough for 4 peppers): 

{1} 1 lb. ground beef

{2} 1 package taco seasoning

{3} 1 can Rotel tomatoes

{4} Brown rice

{5} Salt and Pepper to taste

{make it} Start your rice and cook according to box instructions. While the rice is cooking, brown your meat. When the meat is almost done cooking, add the taco seasoning and coat your meat. Once the meat is coated, add your can of Rotel tomatoes.  When the rice is done, mix that in as well. Season with salt and pepper. Stuff your peppers and put in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes or until peppers have softened. 

{additions} For those of you who don't suffer from dairy allergies, I do believe that a drizzle of queso on top would be delicious after it comes out of the oven. Or even better, right before you put it in the over, sprinkle some cheese on top and melt it in the oven!