#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Bobby Flay Burger Cook-Off with Burgers, Fries and Shakes

August 23, 2010 · Narrative

Napa Valley Burger


The week after we visited Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace, we couldn’t get the burgers out of our mind.  I happened to have his burger cookbook in my collection, and a plan quickly formulated to have a Bobby Flay Burger Cook-Off.  Anything to have his Napa Valley burger again.

After leafing through the recipes in the cookbook, seriously each burger recipe looks better than the next.  Oh those toppings!  And then the onion straws.  And the milkshakes.  It was all we could do to cut the menu off where we did.  Beth’s commitment to our plan included buying a Cool Daddy to make the onion straws – such dedication to our cause!

We ended up going with the Napa Valley Burgers, the Cheyenne Burgers, Onion Straws, and Strawberry Milk Shakes, all from the cookbook.  Rounding out the meal were hot dogs for the kids, sweet potato fries, chips and guacamole and homemade coleslaw.  Oh yes, and, of course, grown-up drinks.

1.  The Burgers.  Even with toppings galore, the recipes are basic, easy to follow and deliver.  The Napa Valley burgers tasted as good as they did in the restaurant, and I love the warm goat cheese that sits on top of the ground beef.  The Cheyenne Burgers are topped with Cheddar, homemade Barbecue Sauce and the Onion Straws.  My mouth is seriously watering just thinking about the Onion Straws again.

Cheyenne Burger Getting Dressed

Love Madeline’s expression in this one. I have no idea what she was looking at that was so darn awe-inspiring.

2.  Those Onion Straws.  Using only one onion, the recipe made a crazy amount.  And that’s a good thing, because they are addictingly good.  Whether topping the burger or eaten by themselves, you can’t go wrong.  I bet they’d be fab dunked in a little Ranch sauce as well.  It makes me want a fryer too, but I’m going to be brave.  And just hope Beth puts hers to work again.

Recipe Worth Making

Onion Straw Station

Onion Straws

3.  The Milk Shakes.  Bobby’s recipes for the shakes use a fruit base that you make by simmering fruit for a bit.  I’m not a big milk shake girl to begin with, but I could definitely change my tune after tasting the Strawberry one.  It tasted like warm strawberry jam through and through, delivering a clear flavor that just couldn’t be beat.

Dogs for the Littles

If you like Bobby Flay, or burgers, pick up the cookbook.  There are serious taste-bud delights from cover to cover.

Project 365
August 23, 2010, Photos #149, #150, #151 and #152

Exhibit A

When I caught a glimpse of the inside of Beth and Roger’s kitchen cabinets, I had to take a picture. These might be the best organized cabinets I’ve ever seen.

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D


Napa Valley Burgers
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries and Shakes

Meyer Lemon-Honey Mustard
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 heaping tablespoon Clover honey
1-1/2 teaspoons grated Meyer lemon zest, or 1 teaspoon grated orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1-1/2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Burgers
1-1/2 lbs ground chuck (80% lean) or ground turkey (90% lean)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons canola oil
8 round slices fresh goat cheese, each 1/2 inch thick
4 sesame see hamburger buns, split, toasted
1 handful of watercress

To make the Meyer lemon-honey mustard, whisk together the mustard, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each).  Form each portion loosely into a 3/4 inch thick burger and make a deep impression in the center with your thumb.  Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.

Cook the burgers, using the canola oil, and topping each one with 2 slices of goat cheese and a basting cover during the last minute of cooking.

Place the burgers on the bun bottoms, drizzle with some of the Meyer lemon-honey mustard, and top with watercress.  Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Strawberry Milkshake

1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup fruit base made with strawberries (see below)
10 oz premium strawberry or vanilla ice cream
whipped cream
fresh strawberries

Combine the milk and strawberry base in a blender and blend for 5 seconds.  Add the ice cream and blend for 5 seconds.  Add the ice cream and blend until smooth, about 10 seconds.  Serve immediately, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and with strawberries.

Makes 1 16-oz milkshake or two 8-oz milkshakes

Fruit Base
1 lb fresh strawberries
4-6 tablespoons sugar (depending on the sweetness of the berries)
3 tablespoons strawberry jam
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Put the berries in a bowl (hull strawberries), add 3 tablespoons sugar, and gently stir to combine.  Let the berries sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.

Transfer the mixture to a medium nonreactive saucepan, add the jam, and cook over medium-high heat until slightly softened.  Coarsely mash the berries using a potato masher or the back of a fork and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.  Taste the mixture and add the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed, stirring to dissolve.  Transfer to a bowl and let cool.  Cover and refrigerate until cold and thickened, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.  The fruit base can be frozen for up to six months.  Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Bobby Flay, Bobby's Burger Palace, Napa Valley Burger, Onion Straws, Strawberry Milkshake

Comments

  1. Merry120 says

    August 24, 2010 at 12:01 am

    Oh my goodness! This looks like a fabulous meal! I love, love, love onion rings so I’m going to have to try the onion straws!

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    August 24, 2010 at 6:21 am

    I made a Bobby burger recently and LOVED it. I really need this cookbook! Don’t know if you know her, but Reeni of the blog Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice is having a blog event this month where that revolves around Bobby’s burgers. You might want to check it out and submit this!

    I wish my cabinets looked like that…

    Reply
  3. MariaV says

    August 24, 2010 at 6:24 am

    Cate: You should write adds for Flay. I added this one to my wish list.

    P.S. Does Beth happen to hire out as a professional organizer?

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron says

    August 24, 2010 at 7:32 am

    I am drooling. Those onion rings are enough to make a girl swoon.

    Reply
  5. beth says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:09 am

    fyi – the onion straws were still crunchy on MONDAY, a full two days after the original fry.
    and when i made the fruit base, i used 2T sugar, not 4-6. that seemed like a ridiculous amount of sugar considering the recipe also calls for jam. i think 2T was the right amount.

    Reply
  6. Kris #40 says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:15 am

    That’s really mean posting such yummy looking photos!

    Trying to stay on weight watchers is getting harder whilst reading your blog!

    Reply
  7. mandy says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:52 am

    Everything sounds (and looks) wonderful. Onion straws would be my downfall. Seriously.

    Reply
  8. Ramona says

    August 24, 2010 at 10:05 am

    I always order the onion rings if they are home made! All of it looks great. Beth must not have kids or any hobbies to be that organized……

    Reply
  9. Eliana says

    August 24, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Not that I need another cookbook in my collection but you just convinced me that I must add this burger book to it. That burger looks fantastic! (as do those cabinets…I’m jealous)

    Reply
  10. beth says

    August 24, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    nope, no kids. just a slight case of organizational ocd in my (miniscule) kitchen. we tried housing the insanely large collection of tupperware in 3 other locations … this one works the best for us. i go in there weekly and re-organize because if i don’t the lids are all just shoved into their container and i can’t find anything and it makes me crazy!

    Reply
  11. The Food Hunter says

    August 27, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    I want a bite of that burger right now.

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    I am that organized and I do have kids!

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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