Avocado Burger

It's always nice to return to a comforting dish, something that reminds you of the good old days. I got a hankering for a pan-fried hamburger, but didn't feel like dealing with the mess. Luckily, my mom and dad got me a George Foreman grill when I went off to college, and it's been a life-saver many times. In fact, I used to go to my grandma's house every Sunday afternoon for lunch, to do my laundry, and then head off to wait tables in the evening. It was great because we'd get to spend the afternoon together reading Women's Day or watching Lifetime movies. She always made something delicious for lunch; Grandma is known for her amazing cooking. Things like Chicken Pot Pie, Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Pot Roast, and Fried Chicken made regular appearances on our Sunday lunch table. And sometimes, she would get out a couple of hamburger patties and throw them on the George Foreman. A simple slice of American cheese would melt across the top on its way to being smashed between two warmed burger buns. So, one night I got out my George Foreman and put together a couple of delicious burgers for Computer Man and me. In an effort to make things a bit more interesting, I toasted some extra sourdough bread and sliced up an avocado. This made a quick and easy weeknight meal!

Avocado Burger
Source: Me (and Grandma)

1 lb. ground beef
Lawry's Season Salt
1 ripe avocado
4 leafs romaine lettuce
1 large tomato sliced into rings
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
mayo
mustard
ketchup
red onion, sliced into rings
4 slices extra sourdough bread
butter

Separate the burger into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round burger patty, about 1/4-inch thick. Season one side with the season salt. Place the seasoned side down on a hot George Foreman grill (or in a frying pan on medium-high heat). Season the other side with the season salt. Meanwhile, cut the sourdough bread in half. Butter one side of each of the halves and put under the broiler for just a few moments--watch it because they'll burn quickly! If you're using a frying pan, flip the burgers. Slice the tomato, wash the lettuce, slice the avocado and set aside. Once your burgers are cooked to the desired doneness, pull off the grill and put a slice of cheese on each burger. Put some mayo on one of the toasted halves of sourdough bread. Put the burger on top, squirt some ketchup and mustard on, and layer with the avocado, red onion, tomato, and lettuce. Top with another half of the sourdough bread. Serve alongside your favorite french fries! Enjoy!