Servings:

1/3 to 1/2 pound ground meat=1 dinner-size burger

1/4 to 1/3 ground meat= 1 bun-size burger.

What to Buy:

Prepackaged ground chuck ( 15% to 20% fat is ideal).  Or, select lean beef and have the butcher coarse-grind it to order with 2 ounces beef suet to each pound of beef.

To Prepare:

Handle the meat lightly and as little as possible!  Do not pack.  Make the patties 3/4 to 1 inch thick.  Season each pound of beef with 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Seasonings:

For each pound of ground beef, add one or more of the following:  1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup grated cheese; 1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts, green or ripe olives; green pepper, dill pickles, onions, scallions or chives; 1 to 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, soy or steak sauce; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil or dry mustard.

Cooking Times:

Thickness of Burger        Rare               Medium           Well Done

3/4 inch                          3 min.             4 min.              5 min.

1 inch                             4 to 5 min.      5 to 6 min.       6 to 7 min.