Bison Burgers & Oven Fries

In our efforts to maintain a relatively healthy regime, we regularly integrate protein alternatives into our meals. In lieu of steak, we have chicken. We always have ground turkey on hand instead of ground beef. A lean option that we hadn't explored in our home kitchen: bison. But during a recent grocery trip, we spotted some and thought that bison burgers would be a lighter alternative to the beef burgers we love so much (seen here, here, and here).

I viewed several recipes (although considering that bison seems to be gaining popularity, there aren't as many as you'd think). Before forming patties, I added some smoked paprika, grated onion, crushed garlic, S&P to the meat. The burgers turned out deliciously moist due to the recommended cooking method from this recipe. (Because bison is so lean, they suggest covering the burgers to prevent them from drying out.) Topped with some swiss cheese, tomatoes, and Cabernet carmelized red onions, these bison burgers were stampede-worthy.

To go along with our adventurous burgers, I served up some carrot and parsnip fries. I had just seen the recipe on Mad Hungry earlier in the week (one of my new favorite cooking shows) and had been awaiting an opportunity to try them out. If you've never cooked with parsnips (which I hadn't before today), they are similar to carrots. Fibrous and a bit sweet, parsnips are perfect as a potato alternative for some oven fries.

I love exploring new foods to satisfy some good ol' fashioned culinary curiosity. Is there anything you've tried making recently that was new for you? Or is there something you are thinking about trying? Do tell!

Happy Searching!

Burger Bliss @ Cherry Cricket

Have you ever seen the Food Network show Best Thing I Ever Ate? Being the food lovers that we are, it's one that we view regularly. Chefs reveal their favorite dishes within a certain theme (best breakfast, best barbeque, etc). I actually don't have a lot of absolute favorites (I like to keep my options open). But if I were on the show about burgers, I'd know exactly what I'd pick. The best burger I ever ate? The Little Cricket Burger at Cherry Cricket in Denver, CO.

The Cricket is a Denver mainstay that's been around since 1945. After changing hands (and locations) a few times, it's still serving up fantastic burgers and brewskis in the chic Cherry Creek district.

What makes the burgers so unparalleled is that each ingredient is incredibly delicious. The beef, which has just the right amount of fat and is cooked to order, sits atop a fresh-baked bun that perfectly absorbs the patty's juices. The menu lists over 20 toppings to choose from so you can customize to heart's content. In the mood for a White Cheddar-Grilled Onion-BBQ Sauce combo? Or maybe you feel like Blue Cheese Crumbles & Sauteed Mushrooms? It isn't easy to decide, but you really can't go wrong.

This time, I went with a Bacon-Smoked Cheddar-Green Chile Strip version and threw on an onion ring for good measure. The result? Absolute burger bliss. Alongside a basket of fries and an icy cold Coors, I experienced burger euphoria.

If you're ever in Denver, it's a must. And if you're not? Well, it just may be worth the trip.

Happy Searching!


p.s. Hats off to Mama & Papa B for introducing me to this little piece of heaven--they're Denver natives and have been dining at the Cricket for years. Muah!

Burger Love

I could never be a vegetarian. Sometimes I feel bad about eating meat because of where it comes from, but I ultimately surrender to my carnivorous ways. This usually occurs when one of two things are nearby: hamburgers or bacon.

Needless to say, I am always in search of a delicious burger. A few weeks ago in Ft. Worth, I found one at Love Shack.

The Shack is owned by Tim Love, a chef who competed in--and won--Iron Chef America. It's a casual but chic hotspot serving up yummy burgers and sides to go with it.

What I really like about Love Shack is all of the thoughtful details that go into every aspect of the restaurant. The burgers are juicy and served with a homemade special sauce (ala In-N-Out). The fries and potato chips are sliced on the premises and perfectly crispy.  The atmosphere is playful, including a patio full of comfy outdoor couches and chalkboard walls in the powder room (you're actually encouraged to post some graffiti!)  

In a world full of flimsy burgers and fast food, Love Shack is a classy burger joint that takes the time to serve it up right. The attention to detail has not gone unnoticed...we'll be stopping by for some Burger Love the next time we're in town!

Happy Searching,

p.s. They also have amazing milkshakes--I had a Vanilla Heath creation that was to die for. 

Greasy Grub: So Wrong Yet So Right

Ahhhh, weekends. I'm only slightly ashamed to admit that if it were possible to be complete gluttons all the time without any adverse side effects (obesity, skyrocketing cholesterol, clogged arteries, etc), Ryan and I would be on board. But alas, we have agreed to keep our appetites in check at least five days out of the week...so that we can reward ourselves with some indulgent eating over the weekend.

On Sunday, we were happy to discover a place that satisfied our craving for good ol' greasy grub. Situated just off of the UT campus, Dirty Martin's is an unassuming spot with a patio, picnic tables, and pints. What could be better on a sunny spring day? 

We started out with a $6 pitcher of locally brewed Austin Amber...that's $6 including tax! You can barely get away with a pint for that price these days! Served with two icy glasses, Ryan and I knew we were off to a good start.

As we deliberated over which fried appetizer to order, our eyes locked in on Chili Queso Fries. Ho. Lee. Smokes. They were a trifecta of savory perfection. Crispy, salty fries smothered in homemade three-cheese queso and homemade chili. Insanely good!

    

What comes after a gut-bomb like that? Burgers, of course. Out come two baskets lined with grease-soaked paper...and the best cheeseburgers we've had in Austin. Seriously. The buns were buttery, lightly toasted, and just dense enough to support the juicy goodness of the patties. The cheese was evenly melted and nestled underneath just the right amount of lettuce, pickles, and onions. Each bite was even better than the one before it. Delicious!

Local publications have given this place decent reviews, but I think they deserve some serious accolades. From start to finish, Dirty Martin's not only met but exceeded our expectations (which I consider to be fairly high). You know the grease is good when you're wishing you could have a second round of it later that same day (true story, it's a good thing we don't live closer...).

If Dirty Martin's is wrong, I don't want to be right. The beer is cheap and cold, the fries are smothered and scrumptious, and the burgers are bodacious. Two delicious, chili-covered thumbs up!

Happy Searching,