The Patriot Burger
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, I set out to create the single most American meal possible. It had to be an American staple, composed of 100% American ingredients, sourced from as many regions as possible, and egregiously-sized for maximum patriotism.
I chose to make a bacon cheeseburger. The patty was 12oz of American Wagyu beef (overpriced and culturally-appropriated from Japan). The bacon was extra-thick and applewood smoked. The cheese was Black Creek Farms white Wisconsin cheddar. I topped it with a sautéed red-white-blue medley of red onions (I needed something that would turn sort of blue colored on cooking, which is really hard to find), white mushrooms, jalapeños (for a Hispanic twist), red Fresno Chilis, garlic, and Tilamook (Oregon) creamery butter. Bottoming it out was an American staple of a slice of tomato, white onion, and lettuce. The whole thing sat on a New York onion bagel. Finally, to round the meal out, I served it with a side of fried Idaho potatoes and a Texan Shiner Bock beer.
The whole thing was egregiously overpriced ($70 or so worth of material), incredibly fattening, and it took me over two hours to make. But I think that process makes it even more patriotic.
Happy Fourth of July!