Freedom Food!

Is anything more American than apple pie?  Well, I happen to think that there are a few foods that are equal to apple pie and deserve their own phrases.  However, "American has a burger" doesn't really have the same ring, so we'll have to settle for honoring the burger in other manners.  For my part, I tried my hand at stuffed burgers for the first time this 4th of July - bringing the great Minnesota tradition of the juicy lucy to the southwest.   On the side, I served a creamy bacon potato salad, inspired by Sunny Anderson's Creamy Potato & Prosciutto Salad, from the latest issue of FoodNetwork magazine.  Last, but certainly not least, I made Pancakes for Breakfast - the best pancake recipe ever, given to me by Caitlin, back in our college Saturday-morning-pancake-days.  These delicate yet filling cakes have the creaminess of a crepe with the sturdiness of a regular pancake.  Yes, they are practically perfect.  So, without further ado, here you go!  (In case you missed my previous posts, my food photos are being updated on Instagram @ Kileen's Kitchen.)

Burgers

1/2 package cream cheese

+

1/2 block of monterey jack diced

+

2-4 cloves of garlic, depending on size

+

1-2 jalapenos, diced                                } saute all 3 in leftover bacon drippings from salad

+

3-4 green onions diced

= delicious filling to be buried inside a 1/2 LB treasure chest of ground beef > grill or pan fry

Creamy Bacon Potato Salad

several pieces of bacon, fried (reserve drippings to saute green onions for dressing)

+

2 LBS baby potatoes, quartered and cooked to just fork tender (potatoes will continue to cook while draining) > pour in colander and let drain over sink

+

dressing

= refreshing alternative potato salad that will spice up your summer picnic table!

Dressing

1 cup mayo 

+

3-4 green onions, sauteed in bacon drippings

+

1 TSP sugar

+

1/2 TSP cayenne pepper

+

1/4 C stone ground mustard

+

2 TSP white wine vinegar

+

salt and pepper to taste

Pancakes for Breakfast

*Since this is really Caitlin's recipe, I will let her tell you the story about how these pancakes got their name.  However, there is one stipulation before you can read further - if you ever make these pancakes (which I have no doubt you will get up and do tomorrow morning), you must call them by their proper name, Pancakes for Breakfast :)

3 eggs

+             } beat together lightly, add flour mixture just until blended, then add butter

2 C milk

+

2 C flour

+

2 TSP baking powder

+

3 TBSP sugar

+

1 tsp salt

+

3 TBSP melted butter

= the perfect pancake - yes, I said it!