Grilling Recipes on Food Friday: Inside-Out Burgers For Your Holiday Picnic

Are you getting ready for a Memorial Day Picnic?  I have great memories of summer picnics from my childhood.  Read my post on a Minnesota Memory Picnic Supper--I guarantee it'll make your mouth water!


If you're gearing up for a weekend of get-togethers with family and friends, or searching for simple suppers for your family, grilling recipes are a great idea.  Grilling conjures up in my mind a picture of a relaxed group of people enjoying laughter, good food, and a beautiful day on a deck or patio, or in the backyard.  I love showing hospitality, but I admit that it sometimes can feel like too much work.  Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, like being in the middle of a remodeling project, which make it impossible to host anyone inside. (Speaking of our remodeling, they say it always gets worse before it gets better, and I guess that is true.  I will have more photos next week, including photos of our our wood floor which partially was installed today.)


So, if you feel that your heart of hospitality needs heating up, grilling may be for you.  Host your next gathering outdoors and grill up some great memories.


May I fan the flame of your creativity?  Why not start by inviting your guests to come for a casual supper, and grill Inside-Out burgers. (You'll find the recipe below.)  Ask your guests to bring a big salad; serve watermelon, fresh veggies with dip, and chips to go with your burgers.

Ice cold lemonade is such a treat on a really hot day, isn't it?  Though we aren't experiencing hot weather yet, it's still a favorite.  Have a pitcher available and ready to put in chilled glasses.  (Just pop the glasses in the freezer for a short time, and they'll be refreshingly cold!)


For dessert, try this recipe for a dessert that's delicious and extremely easy: recipe for Chocolate Peanut Grahams.


Sit outside to eat:  on blankets in the grass, or lawnchairs on the patio or deck, or at the picnic table.  Forget the fancy dishes--use paper plates.  (Chinet holds up best without buckling or flopping over.)


While supper is cooking, and after you've eaten, play outdoor games such as bocce ball, croquet, badminton, or volleyball or just sit and visit, enjoying the beauty of God's creation.


There you have the ingredients for a lovely evening without a lot of fuss.

Chocolate Peanut Grahams

The following recipe for Inside-Out Burgers is sure to become a new grilling favorite!  (Do you have non-pickle-lovers in your family?  Don't worry.  I am not a huge fan of pickles myself, but the flavor is not strong, and neither is the crunch. It's very subtle, just adding yumminess.)  These are some of the best burgers.


Recipe for Inside-Out Burgers
Serves:  8
Ingredients:
2 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
24 bread and butter pickles
1/2 cup BBQ (barbecue) sauce
8 hamburger buns


Directions:

• Divide beef into 16 portions.  Shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
• Place 2 tablespoons cheese and 3 pickle slices in centers of 8 patties.
• Top with remaining 8 patties; Pinch to seal.

To Grill:
Place filled patties directly above medium coals.  Grill, uncovered, until desired doneness.  (Allow 10 minutes for medium and 12 minutes for well-done.)  Turn and brush often with barbecue sauce.  Place patties on buns.
On open gas grill, sear over medium to medium-high heat, then switch over to low to medium heat on other side of the grill until done.
Enjoy!

I hope you have a great weekend with friends and family and also remember those who have sacrificed so much, including their very lives, so that we might be free.