A Carnivorous Crew

If you're not much of a meat eater, feel free to skip on past this blog entry.

Every Spring, when the sun starts shining a little longer and leaves us feeling a little warmer, Tanner starts experimenting with new types of burgers on the grill. This year, he is determined to perfect the "Juicy Lucy" -- a unique burger that supposedly originated in Minneapolis and has been seen on the Travel Channel. It involves a slab of cheese between two thin (or thick, if you prefer) patties. The cheese melts during the grilling process, making for a very exciting treat in the center.

I didn't realize that so much thought needed to go into how to make this particular burger. Tanner thought it over for weeks (maybe months) before finally making his first attempt. And I know he lost some sleep over it, too. The most stressful part of making the darn thing? Getting the patties flat enough. Thank goodness for Fleet Farm and their $3 hamburger patty shapers. They also sold patty shapers for $30, but we weren't ready to splurge - what does a fancy patty shaper really do that a basic plastic one can't handle?

With the assistance of the patty shapers, Tanner was able to get the patties in just the right form. After securing slices of cheese between the patties, they were ready for the grill. A short time later (and much to the delight of a hungry mama and toddler), Tanner returned and presented us with a most delicious dinner.

Uh oh - a leaker!

There was no doubt some leaking going on here, too, but it didn't involve cheese oozing from his "sammich".

Sweet, sweet success.

Let us know when you're in town and we'll grill a Juicy Tanner for you, too!