Ballpark burger inspired by typical hot dog

Continued from Page 27

Originality is a must if one wants to stand out from the competition. The sport of baseball and munching on mouthwatering hotdogs are one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Since Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger semifinals are held at baseball stadiums, one might consider creating a burger that is inspired by the iconic hotdog.

The name of the burger is just as important as the taste. Remember, the name of the burger is the first introduction to the judges. It needs to grab their attention; entries are coming in from all over the country.

With that thought in mind, allow me to introduce a burger called A Ballpark Special. I will start from the bottom and work my way up.

“Details” elevate one’s entry from the others.

A brioche bun is the roll of choice. Its consistency supports the burger and at the same time allows the different components to shine. A regular bun simply will not support this burger. I did experiment with a pretzel bun, but it was heavy and not as pleasing to the eye.

A “mound” of cheesy goodness is nestled in a half-pound burger for a yummy surprise. Cheddar and pimento cheese create a gooey, oozy filling that “strikes out” the competition.

Baseball is as American as apple pie and cheddar and pimento cheese are cheeses that are indicative of this country.

What is a hotdog without onions and relish?

A spicy cucumber, pepper slaw “steals” the show. Paper thin slices are more attractive to the eye than shreds of veggies. In addition, the thin slices allow the natural beauty to come through by way of color and texture.

Chili is a popular topping for hotdogs. Avocado chili fritters add flavor and texture. The breading is seasoned with chili powder and smoked paprika. The burger is rich and a fried components adds contrast in consistency and taste.

A ballpark special sauce is the final touch to this burger. Brown mustard is infused with mayo, prepared horseradish, cream cheese and sweet pickles.

Then the entire burger is garnished with chopped peanuts. Peanuts add texture and are synonymous with ballpark food.

Every element of A Ballpark Special must be carefully chosen for a delicious, cohesive bite. There is a fine balance between too little and too much.

This is just a sampling one must consider when entering a culinary competition. Every aspect of the burger must be examined to the fullest for a winning entry.

Before you know it, the World Series will be here. If burgers are on the menu, A Ballpark Special is a sure way to wow your guests and coincide with the theme of baseball playoffs.

The burger can be replaced with a veggie burger if one is a vegetarian. Enjoy!

A Ball Park Special

Ballpark Special Sauce

¼ cup brown mustard

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 sweet gherkins

¼ cup cream cheese

Spicy Cucumber, Pepper

Salad

6 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper seeds

½ cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley

2 small kirby cucumbers

1 small red, yellow, and orange bell peppers

1/2 small red onion

Avocado Chili Fritters

3 avocados

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons water

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

2 cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs

1 ½ tablespoons chili powder

1 ½ tablespoons smoke paprika

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

6 cups canola oil

Ground Beef Patties

3 pounds (73/27) ground beef

3 teaspoons kosher salt

1 ½ teaspoons black pepper

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup pimento cheese spread

Hamburger Buns

6 large brioche buns

Garnish

½ cup roasted chopped peanuts

1. Combine brown mustard, mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, sweet gherkins, and cream cheese in a small bowl. Using a hand-held immersion blender, puree the mixture until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to

2. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, crushed red pepper seeds, and parsley, in a medium bowl. Slice cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion on a mandoline, add veggies to the rice vinegar mixture. Refrigerate until ready to use. Five minutes before plating, strain mixture in a metal sieve.

3. Set up for the dredging station follows: 2/3 cups flour in a small bowl, 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of water mixed well in a small bowl, then combine 1/3 cup flour, cornmeal, panko, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a pie plate, mix well.

4. Peel the avocados and cut into strips. Dip each strip in the flour, then the egg wash, and the panko mixture.

5. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet until it reaches 350 degrees. Fry strips until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Place cooked avocado strips on a cooling rack.

6. Divide ground beef into 6 equal patties. Make a well into the ground beef and add 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center. Form the ground beef t enclosed the cheese ball. Spread 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper on each side of the patty. Turn the grill to medium- high. Grill the burgers for 5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 4 minutes.

7. Place each bun, cut side down on the grill and toast for 1 minute.

8. Garnish the entire burger with chopped peanuts.

Secret Ingredient – Perseverance

“Fall seven times and stand up eight.”

— Japanese Proverb