Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Flat, delicious burgers recipe plus #book giveaway from author @DarylWoodGerber


Cookbook Nook giveaway today...read on!


Right up until Thanksgiving, I’m always thinking about what I’m going to be grilling on the weekends. Hamburgers definitely fall into the mix every time. I love to barbecue. And I make great hamburgers and turkey burgers and bison burgers.

Or do I?

So, my husband—you remember my husband...he is the one who loves to read foodie magazines. Well, recently, he was reading an article in a magazine, and he said, “Honey, you have to see this. Do you know how you can make a hamburger perfectly flat?”

Well, of course, I thought I did, but he read me the article anyway. How could I say no? Lo and behold, I didn’t know how to make a flat burger. Mine are always puffed in the middle.

The article revealed that although a hamburger might look perfectly flat when you form the beef into a patty, it invariably puffs in the center as the meat cooks.

Yep, that’s mine.

This either makes it hard to pile on goodies after it’s done or you might overcook the middle just to make sure the puffy center is cooked. Ick. I hate overcooked burgers.

The article said there was a solution.

Here’s my quickie version of the recipe with photos:

FLAT DELICIOUS BURGERS
(*works on all types, turkey, bison, and beef)

1) Form the burgers into flat patties on a clean work surface. That’s what I always do. But make them about an inch wider than the bun. (I use about 6 to 8 ounces of meat; cooks down to 4 to 6 ounces.)

Okay.

And then…

2) Press down on the center of each patty, using your fingers to make an indentation. Now the article said to press “halfway through the burger thickness.” That’s hard to do. Just make an indentation. It works. Don’t overwork the meat; you don’t want it to get tough.

Can you see the indentations?

3) Cook over a hot grill to desired temperature. Most pundits will say 160 degrees F. I judge by time. About 4 minutes a side under the broiler or on a medium high grill.

4) Here's the amazing part...as the burger cooks, juice starts collecting in the center of the meat and stays there! It keeps the burger moist as it cooks. The burger shrinks “into the center” as it cooks. And levels out.

See it pooling?

Voila!



Enjoy a great burger. We did. With a yummy salad that I'd laced with cheddar cheese.




* * * *
Giveaways!

Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter. The launch day giveaway for STIRRING THE PLOT, which debuts September 30, will include all my books, a plush Tigger,
a Cookbook Nook mug, and more! 


Click HERE.  

And "like" me on Facebook and Goodreads, where information about other giveaways will appear, like...

This prize below is going to be given away on Facebook on September 29. 
See all the books? You like books! 23 of them!  There's one from every author on Mystery Lovers Kitchen, plus other pals with whom I've done book signings! A mug, a plush tigger, an I Love Mystery tote & more. Fun, right? I figure if Stirring the Plot is coming out,
I might as well let all my pals celebrate with me!

Did I mention Stirring the Plot has a Halloween theme?

A list of all authors/books will be on Facebook. Keep an eye out.


AND if you leave a comment today, you'll be entered to win one of the first two Cookbook Nook mysteries [Final Sentence or Inherit the Word]. Tell me why you like culinary mysteries! Remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win! 


* * * *

Friend Daryl on Facebook
Friend Avery on Facebook
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Check out our website.

Days of Wine and Roquefort 
is out!
order here

Inherit the Word
  is out!
                                    order here

STIRRING THE PLOT is available for preorder: order here. It debuts September 30!


If you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list 
so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests! 









67 comments:

  1. I enjoy reading culinary mysteries of all varieties. The recipes included are a nice bonus. I've tried making a number of them successfully (tastes good and enjoyed by family). Unlike some recipes the ones featured have been taste tested so I've found them to be quite successful. servedogmom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you like the recipes in the books. We do work hard to make them fun!

      Daryl/ Avery

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  2. I love watching cooking shows and collecting cookbooks. Reading culinary mysteries allows me to collect more recipes to try along with indulging in my favorite hobby: reading! Kuzlin at aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Ah, yes, that favorite hobby. I love reading, too! A great way to connect with others is talking about books you've read, don't you think?

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  3. I enjoy reading and looking at recipes (especially looking at the pictures). Thank you for the tip on cooking flat burgers. I am looking forward to reading Stirring the Pot. I love the Halloween theme cover! Just adorable. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jen, thanks so much. My artist is so talented! I gave her the idea of Tigger in the hat. :)

      Daryl/ Avery

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    2. I forgot to add my email address: myrifraf @ gmail.com :)

      Delete
  4. I like culinary mysteries because I love a good mystery and reading about food, recipes, and how the food is prepared and served. That theme adds so much to a good story. Thank you for the chance tow in.
    jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, I'm so glad you get into the food and preparation of it. :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  5. I love foodie mysteries because they always come with recipes...I usually find at least one that I use over and over!

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    Replies
    1. Ellen, how nice to know. I've found a few myself. Fun to have go-to recipes.

      Daryl / Avery

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  6. I like to read about the different takes on food each author has.
    sgiden at verizon dot net

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  7. I LOVE culinary mysteries because it inspires me to cook (even more than I already so) and I eat vicariously through the characters.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    Replies
    1. Libby, I eat vicariously through the characters, too. Great way to diet. LOL

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  8. I love to read culinary mysteries because the great food is a bonus! I know they've been made by people who actually cooked them. Yum!

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    Replies
    1. Ikleback, one would hope. I think there are some culinary mysteries where someone else does the cooking, but I know I test all mine. :)

      Daryl / Avery

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  9. I love culinary mysteries because while I am not a great cook I love food. Sine most of the books are on my Kindle it is very hard to recreate them.

    nlb1050@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm. I bet, Nancy, if you wrote the authors, they would send you email copies of the recipes, if you've purchased the book. Also, check out MLK after a book is published. We are known to put up recipes from our books from time to time.

      Daryl / Avery

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  10. Because they're "mouth-watering"! :)


    patucker54 at aol dot com

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  11. Culinary mysteries tend to have a great blend of colorful characters, interesting plot, and delicious recipes. However, I often read culinary mysteries in part to live vicariously through the protagonist as she/he eats or cooks tasty meals. Due to an oversensitive palate, it's hard for me to eat certain things like soft brie, flaky fish, eggs, and greens / salad because of my mouth's aversion to their texture. Reading about the dishes I can't personally enjoy brings me happiness, almost like I'm getting to enjoy them by proxy.

    lokihokie09 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apd: sorry to hear about the palate, but I understand. I'm so glad you can find pleasure through the mental experience.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  12. I love a good mystery and the recipes are an added bonus. While my husband does the majority of our cooking, his choice, we both are always looking for new recipes. He will try about anything I want him to as long as it doesn't have wine in it or a ton of garlic. We've been married for 50 years and he has always cooked.

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  13. I enjoy reading culinary mysteries because it seems like such a bonus when I get new recipes. And I love getting new ideas for what to cook for the hubby.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Sue, I like when there are new ideas, too. I think that's why I like writing on and being on MLK. I'm always finding new recipes from my fellow authors.

      Daryl / Avery

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  14. Mystery's are as delicious as a good burger!

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  15. They are my favorite! I always want to eat while reading though! And I love trying out all the recipes!! rockergoddess2002@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I like eating while I read, too, so I have to watch it. Chocolate is good when reading. Cheese, too. :)

      Daryl / Avery

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    2. Tracy, congrats! You won the giveaway today by random number drawing! I've sent you an email. You can reply to that.

      Best ~ Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  16. I like food. I like reading mysteries. Combining the two is serendipitous. Thanks for the tip on flat hamburgers. It's good to know I can stop making puffy burgers! mochfly(at)swbell(dot)net.

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    Replies
    1. I know, right? All these years, and the tip was this easy! Wow!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  17. Culinary mysteries are fantastic. They have a warm feeling all their own. And I love learning new recipes. Thank you for this wonderful chance to win! lisaksbookreview@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Lisa. You are welcome. Warm feeling. Good description!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  18. OH, I love this tip, Daryl/Avery - thanks to you (and your husband) for sharing, and have a great week as you continue your countdown to the release of Stirring the Plot, cheers!

    ~ Cleo

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    Replies
    1. Ah, thanks, Cleo. Isn't it fun to have husbands who get into the process? :0

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  19. Culinary mysteries are unique, captivating and special. Thanks for this post and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Love the books and the recipes! Can't wait for next book!

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  21. Love the mysteries and the delicious recipes included are a great compliment to a great story!

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  22. The reasons that I love food related and beverage related books (like The Coffeehouse Mysteries) and the wine mysteries, is that I am very food oriented in my life. For many years I wrote food columns for small local newspapers so I had to think of food all the time and I do mean all the time. I used to even bake or cook the food that I wrote about each week and obviously, someone had to eat that recipe, correct? My maternal grandmother was one of the first women to ever attend a baking and cooking school in the late 1890's and then my mother followed in her foot steps with her baking and cooking and my two sisters and I followed in their love of food. At one time, we all had big gardens with lots of fruit trees in our yards as well, but after moving a number of times (all three of us) we now don't have gardens but we still love food and to cook and bake. This love of food and reading about it was definitely passed down from my grandmother that is for sure. So now stories about food are some of the most interesting to me. And they are also great cozy mysteries too so it isn't hard to like them.

    I would love to be considered for one of the books and your gift card in your contest. Thank you so much for all the great writing that all of you ladies write.

    Sincerely,
    Cynthia Blain
    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

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    Replies
    1. Cynthia, what a lovely history you have. Treasure it!

      Daryl / Avery

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    2. Little side note. No gift card in this giveaway today, but there is one on my Fresh Fiction giveaway. :)

      Delete
  23. I like them because I can learn about different recipes. Also, the stories are always fun to read.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  24. Can't wait to read this one!! Love that it is a Halloween theme. I hope it shoots to the top 10 best seller list on the first day.

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  25. Love your books. Great Read. Wonderful Recipes. What's not to love

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  26. I grew up in a cooking family. My grandmother had a restaurant in her small town from the late 1930's off and on until her death in the mid 60's.Her husband was killed in an accident so she had to make a living for her and my mom. My mom grew up in the kitchen learning from all the best cooks/bakers. I get my love of cooking and collecting recipes/cookbooks honest. My mom read to me growing up and once I could read she always was taking me to the local library. My first mystery was a Nancy Drew and I have been hooked every since. Thanks for this chance. MarshaMsyteryreader@yahoo,com

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    Replies
    1. Marsha, I, too, fell in love with Nancy Drew mysteries. Even tried to write one when I was 9. :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  27. I like food, and tea. So I think it follows that I'd like books having to do with such -- and when there's mystery involved that's all the better.
    And any recipes included are icing on the cake.

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  28. Daryl Wood Gerber - I love your books. The thought of having an opportunity to win one is a real natural high. Anyone who enjoys culinary mysteries has to read one of your books. Thanks for the chance.

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome. Remember to sign up for my newsletter, too. Lots of giveaways coming.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  29. I enjoy culinary mysteries for the recipes and I can read about great food and not gain any weight or have to clean dirty dishes.

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  30. I like to read culinary mysteries, the food is always a nice feature in each book and what's not to like? food and a mystery! I've tried several recipes from different authors and have really liked each one I've tried! Thanks for writing these and inculding the recipes! annelovell12@yahoo.com

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  31. I find culinary mysteries interesting because you get to delve into the world of baking, candy making, restaurants, a muffin business, a coffee house, a cheese shop (I did not know there were so many different types of cheeses), a food truck, etc.. A different world in each book. I always learn something new and there are delicious recipes at the end of each book.

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