Anytime is grilling time in the desert southwest!  Have you ever noticed that the only thing better than the smell of meat grilling on the barbeque, is eating it? And your favorite meat always tastes better when it’s grilled to perfection, right?  

 

Here’s a recipe for that perfect burger:

 

Ingredients

 

1 ½ pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

4 hamburger buns, split; toasted, if desired

4 slices cheese (optional)

 

Directions

 

Toast the burger buns.

 

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (6 oz each). Form each portion into a ¾ inch thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.

 

Heat a gas grill to high or heat coals until they glow bright orange and ash over.  Brush the burgers with the oil.  Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes.  Flip the burgers over.  Cook until golden brown and slightly charred on the sedon side, 4 minutes for medium rare or until cooked to desired degree of doneness.  Remember, don't press the juices out.

 

Add the cheese, if desired, to the tops of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and top with a basting cover or tent the burgers with aluminum foil to melt the cheese.

 

Place the hot burgers between the buns and serve.

 

Arizona Farm Bureau’s Fill Your Plate has a list of where you can buy locally grown meat, vegetables, fruits and more!  Go to www.fillyourplate.org  and enjoy!

 

Editor’s note: For more information on our member benefits including our regional benefits go to Arizona Farm Bureau’s member benefits page online. Or, download the Member Benefits app (FB Benefits) to your smart phone for easy, everyday access to your benefits