Skip The Drive-Thru, Stay In The Kitchen!

Burgers & fries = my favorite fast food. I know how bad it is, which is why I rarely have them, but the cravings are still there! So these versions of my faves are yummy alternatives, since I'm using my Cuisinart Griddler (which doesn't dry up lean meat) for the burgers, and the oven for the fries. I switched up regular potatoes with sweet potatoes -I've made them a few times, each time trying something different, but I have yet to get them as crispy as I have accomplished with white potatoes. (But they were yummy!) And the burger, well I love experimenting with different ingredients & toppings!

BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions

1/2 lb extra lean (90/10) ground sirloin
1.5 tbsp shredded 2% milk cheddar cheese, divided
garlic salt & pepper to taste
1/2-1 tsp BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby's Ray's)
1 tsp grated yellow onion
a few pieces of yellow onions cut in wide slices, drizzled with a dash of extra virgin olive oil

Plus buns & favorite toppings

Mix all ingredients together, but only add 1 tbsp of the shredded cheese. For into two equal patties, and make a slight indentation in the center of each, to help prevent a bulge in the middle while cooking.

Grill on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side, I leave it on longer since I like mine well-done. Put the onions on the grill till soft & caramelized. If desired, about 2 minutes before burgers are done, place the remaining shredded cheese on top of each burger, place another type of sliced cheese (American, etc) on top of the burger and melt. I also like to toast the buns (I use whole wheat or lite) I topped my burgers with grilled onions, sliced roma tomatoes, Boston lettuce & a pickle.

Sweet Potato Fries
Adapted from Vegan Yum Yum

2-3 Medium Sweet Potatoes, peeled I used 1 large potato
Oil and Spice Rub
Tbsp of Earth Balance, melted (vegan margarine) I used 1tbsp Smart Balance spread, and 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp Paprika I omitted
1/4 tsp Chili Powder I omitted
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes I omitted
1/4 tsp Salt, Black Pepper I used garlic salt
I used 1 tsp dried parsley & 1.5 tsp of grill seasoning

Preheat oven to 450º F.

Slice potatoes into thin fry shapes with a large chef’s knife. Mix melted earth balance and spices together and toss the potatoes in it. Place oiled/spiced fries on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper (they might stick to foil). Do NOT crowd the pan - you want space between every fry. Bake for 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Place potatoes under the broiler, turning every minute or so and keeping a close eye on them. Broil them for as long as you can without incinerating them. Serve immediately or you’ll lose any crispiness you achieved. Goes great with ketchup or a creamy vegan mayo.