If I’ve learned one thing from hosting Thanksgiving over the years, it’s this: Thanksgiving appetizers are essential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served a holiday meal 30 minutes or an hour (or two) later than planned b…
If I’ve learned one thing from hosting Thanksgiving over the years, it’s this: Thanksgiving appetizers are essential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served a holiday meal 30 minutes or an hour (or two) later than planned because my roasted beets were still rock-hard or the water for my mashed potatoes took longer than expected to boil. In those moments, Thanksgiving appetizers save the big day. They tide over hungry guests until it’s time to sit down to dinner, keeping everyone’s spirits up and the atmosphere light. I’m sharing my 25 best Thanksgiving appetizer ideas below. They include a simple cheese […]
Juicy burgers are quite possibly the most classic grilling food out there. To help you make the perfect burger, I’ve got a roundup of my favorite burger recipes!
A simple hamburger recipe can be incredibly satisfying during summer BBQs (or in those colder months when you want to feel like you’re at a summer BBQ). Sometimes, though, to get the best burger recipe, you have to go all out. Our homemade burgers are piled high with my favorite toppings, which translates to seriously epic flavors.
These burger recipes set you up for success with juicy hamburger patties and a range of freakin’ delicious toppings. We’ve got everything from melted cheese and BBQ sauce to chimichurri (a sauce I’m putting on everything these days) and a fried egg. I love homemade hamburgers because you can start with a great burger patty and literally build a flavor masterpiece from there. I’ve also got recipes for other proteins you can try something besides a classic beef burger. Give those a whirl too!
These burger recipes are pub-style burgers. Want to try smash burgers? They’re all the rage these days! Check out my roundup of my favorite smash burger recipes!
Best Tips for Great Burger Recipes
Choose quality meat: I’m a firm believer in starting with a great foundation, which is why I’m choosy about the hamburger meat in these burger recipes. A pound of ground beef can make about two or three of our beautiful thicc burgers. I’d recommend using 80/20 ground beef. While lean beef is a popular choice (specifically for smash burgers), the 80/20 blend strikes the perfect balance between fat and meat for a thicker burger, ensuring your burgers stay as juicy and tasty as possible. A lot of these burger recipes go next level by adding steak, so double-check your cuts for proper cooking times.
Get in shape: Since we want to ensure even cooking, make sure you divide the beef into equal-sized tight meatballs.
Leave time for prep: Because we’ve got some epic toppings to create the best burgers, give yourself extra time to prep your accompanying ingredients. Components like beer-battered onion rings and jalapeño poppers take a little more effort, but they’re so worth it when you sit down to a freakin’ delicious dinner.
All about the buns: Since the right choice of burger buns can make all the difference. Brioche buns, pretzel buns or potato buns are my personal favorites, since they hold up well with juicy burger patties.
How do I tell if my burger is done?
Great question! Your best friend is an instant-read thermometer — I really do swear by my meat thermometer. To get the temp, insert the tip of your thermometer into the center of each patty.
A medium-rare burger is about 130-135 degrees F, a medium burger is 140-145 degrees, a medium-well burger is 150-155 degrees and a well done burger is 160-165 degrees. But if you don’t have a meat thermometer (you should get one, seriously!), you can do the hand trick. A rare burger will feel soft, like the area between your thumb and palm when your hand is flat. Medium is what that same part of your hand feels like when you press your thumb to your ring finger. The more cooked the burger, the firmer it’s going to be.
Not your typical ground beef burger, but just as good.
Garlic Gochujang Shrimp Burgers
Garlic Gochujang Shrimp Burgers, where the burger and seafood lovers unite. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to cook and packed with some unique flavors, this is the one to try!
Every one of these flavorful burger recipes is a meal in itself, so an easy recipe for a BBQ side is the way to go here. Burgers and French fries — regular, sweet potato, waffle and more — are a match made in heaven. You could also serve these burger recipes with onion rings, potato salad, broccoli slaw or mac and cheese.
Leftovers and Reheating
If you have leftovers from these burger recipes, store your leftover cooked patties, buns and toppings separately in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat them, preheat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil and then reheat the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
What type of beef should I use in these burger recipes?
For the best burgers, use a mix of ground beef that is about 80/20. While lean beef is a popular choice, the 80/20 blend strikes the perfect balance between fat and meat, ensuring the juiciest burgers.
What level of heat should I use for my burger recipe?
There’s a range, but I like to go with 375-400 degrees F (medium-high heat) and a two-zone fire for indirect cooking. Depending on the thickness of your burger and your cooking process, it’ll take 3-5 minutes per side on your outdoor grill to cook. In some cases, like my smoked birria burger, I smoke the burger at a lower heat for a longer time.
I just want a classic good burger. What toppings should I use?
Easy — a slice of cheese, a slice of tomato, red onions, a pickle and your favorite condiments. Because you can’t go wrong with a classic.
Get The Cookbooks!
Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
By Derek Wolf
All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.
I believe cooking and baking should be as enjoyable as it is practical. I’ve rounded-up unique, whimsical, and fun kitchen gadgets that get the job done, but in a fun way. Get ready to cook with style AND with a smile! Fun Kitchen Gadgets for Everyone! More Gadgets You May Like If you like more…
I believe cooking and baking should be as enjoyable as it is practical. I’ve rounded-up unique, whimsical, and fun kitchen gadgets that get the job done, but in a fun way. Get ready to cook with style AND with a smile!
Pancake Pen – Bust out your inner artist to create some fun and amazing pancake art!
Stuffed Burger Press – Make the most INSANE burgers at home with this little gadget. The hardest part is deciding WHAT to stuff your burgers with.
Slushie Maker Cup – Make slushies in a matter of mere minutes! Just dump your favorite drink in and watch the magic happen!
Latte Art Pen – Not only can you get creative with your morning pancakes, but what about your morning latte?
Heat Conductive Ice Cream Scoop – The coolest ice cream scoop on the block! The unique heat-conductive liquid in the handle uses the warmth of your hand to create the smoothest ice cream scoops!
Swiftea Mug – You all know I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, so this mug just called to me!
It’s time to discover the essential must-have tools for your at-home cocktail bar! From shakers to glasses to cocktail picks, it’s time to elevate your cocktail game and impress family and friends with signature drinks and concoctions! Cocktail Bar Tools More Drinks to Make at Home Lavender Haze Cocktail Strawberry Daiquiri Salted Caramel Mocha Martini…
It’s time to discover the essential must-have tools for your at-home cocktail bar! From shakers to glasses to cocktail picks, it’s time to elevate your cocktail game and impress family and friends with signature drinks and concoctions!
Cocktail Bar Tools
SHAKERS – Shaking your cocktail mixes and chills it faster than stirring. It also dilutes the alcohol to bring the acid, sugar, and the alcohol together to give texture to your drink. When it comes to shakers, you can’t go wrong with a classic stainless steel shaker. But because I love pretty things, this glass shaker and this checked shaker both caught my eye!
ICE CUBE MOLDS – Ice does more than just chills your cocktail! As the ice breaks down through being shaken or stirred, it adds water to the drink, which mellows the alcohol and infuses fruity flavors to create a smoother drink. You can go with square, round, or decorative ice cubes in your drinks!
GLASSES – Yes, the type of glass you put your drink in matters! It can be overwhelming to know what to have, so here’s a few I recommend having on hand.
MIXING SPOON – Mixing your drink with a long-handled mixing spoon allows the flavors of your drink to mixed gently. They can also be helpful in layering ingredients in drinks or the end can be used as a muddler in case you don’t have one.
JIGGER – No cocktail bar is complete without a jigger! It helps to measure liquid ingredients!
MUDDLER – You’ll want to have a muddler for drinks like a Mango Mojito. You’ll need to gently bruise your ingredients like mint, fruit, or a peel, with a muddler to release their flavor. It’s done in the glass itself and then joined by whatever liquids the recipe calls for.
MESH STRAINER – The cone shape is essential when straining unwanted extras for from your cocktail!
JUICER – Because fresh is best when making a cocktail! I’ve used this juicer for years and love it.
PEELERS – Peel your citrus fruit and garnish your cocktails with ease thanks to a swivel peeler and a zester!
COCKTAIL PICKS – Keep your olives, cherries, and other garnishments in place with cocktail picks.
GLASS PITCHER – Some cocktails are single serve, but there are times when you want a boozy drink for a crowd and will need a glass pitcher to make it in! It will complete your at-home cocktail bar. Some of my favorite drinks for a crowd are Salty Dog Punch, Electric Lemonade Punch, or Knock You Naked Punch!
We all know that every kitchen needs a stand mixer, measuring cups, or baking sheets, but what are some other tools that can help you be a better home cook? Here are some of my favorite kitchen gadgets that will not only enhance your cooking, but also make meal prep more enjoyable. Get ready to…
We all know that every kitchen needs a stand mixer, measuring cups, or baking sheets, but what are some other tools that can help you be a better home cook? Here are some of my favorite kitchen gadgets that will not only enhance your cooking, but also make meal prep more enjoyable. Get ready to elevate your kitchen game and discover the essentials that every home cook should own!
Favorite Tools and Gadgets
OXO Kitchen Scale – When baking, weighing your ingredients will give you the best results, and this is my go-to scale. I love it because it has a removable platform which makes it easy to clean, and it has a pull-out display so you can easily read the weight when you have a large bowl on the scale.
Silpat – I’ve raved about this before, and for good reason! It is a baker’s dream come true!
Veggie Chopper– I am not a fan of chopping vegetables, so this is not only a time saver, but a sanity saver as well!
Sticky Measuring Cup – Every time I share my video about making my favorite peanut butter cookies, I get asked what this measuring cup is! It makes measuring sticky ingredients like peanut butter and honey a breeze! Hands down a kitchen gadget every baker needs!
Jar Opener – Nothing more to say other than IYKYK.
Silicone Jar Scraper – It’s clear measuring ingredients like peanut butter can be tricky, but so is cleaning out the jar out! I love this silicone spatula for getting every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar. It also works for mayo jar, jam jars, and all the jars!
Avocado Slicer – Slice and pit avocados the easy way! This slicer doesn’t have any sharp edges, so you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…
Popcorn Maker – A good Netflix binge session is always in order, and a big bowl of popcorn is the best way to enjoy your favorite shows! This popcorn maker is simple, compact, and super cute!
Fruit Cup Slicer– How cute are these slicers? I love that they pick up the fruit in the cup while you’re slicing it. Also works well for hard boiled eggs!
Foldable Phone Stand – Looking at a recipe while cooking is easy thanks to this cute little stand! Now you don’t have to worry about getting food on your phone! It’s also perfect for watching a show while in the kitchen! Did I mention this cute little kitchen gadget comes in tons of colors?
4-in-1 Mixing Bowl Set – This is seriously the coolest mixing bowl set out there! It makes clean up SO EASY.
Foldable Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack – If you don’t love having dishes on the counter after washing them, this is what you need! It folds up so you can access your full sink easily!
Mini Waffle Maker– I love this little waffle maker… and they have griddles too. These are great single serve – it was great when I was losing weight – and would be fantastic for a college student in a dorm.
Cookie Scoops – I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again… Don’t underestimate the power of a cookie scoop! It’s what makes all your cookies look so good.
A fall salad is my favorite way to show off the season’s best produce. Summer’s tomatoes and sweet corn may be gone, but spicy arugula, crisp apples, sweet potatoes, squash, and more are here in abundance. What better way to enjoy them than…
A fall salad is my favorite way to show off the season’s best produce. Summer’s tomatoes and sweet corn may be gone, but spicy arugula, crisp apples, sweet potatoes, squash, and more are here in abundance. What better way to enjoy them than in a colorful autumn salad with a zippy dressing? I’m sharing some of my best fall salad recipes below. They include hearty grain salads that pack up well for lunch as well as simple side salads that can accompany any dinner. I hope you try a few this fall! In a season that’s known for cozy soups and baking […]
Whether you’ve been baking for awhile or just starting out, these Halloween baking supplies are what you need to create boo-tiful desserts! Before you start making all the spooktastic cupcakes and cookies, make sure you have these must have-Hallween baking supplies on hand. Spooktacular Halloween Baking Supplies Tempting Treats to Try Now that you are…
Whether you’ve been baking for awhile or just starting out, these Halloween baking supplies are what you need to create boo-tiful desserts! Before you start making all the spooktastic cupcakes and cookies, make sure you have these must have-Hallween baking supplies on hand.
Sparkle Gel – There are lots of different colors you can choose, but I’ve found that buying green is best because it can last through the Thanksgiving and Christmas baking seasons.
Candy Eyes – Is it even Halloween without a bunch of candy eyes? I think not.
Halloween Sprinkle Jar – If you don’t want anything fancy, these are the sprinkles for you. The divided container makes it easy to use what you want!
Fancy Halloween Sprinkles – Sprinkles with a touch of glam! Pink and purple shimmery jimmies mixed with candy eyeballs, pumpkins, witch fingers, and witch hats are just too cute!
Bats & Pumpkins Sprinkles – These aren’t just for baking! Enjoy them on top of a spooky ice cream sundae!
Isomalt Gems – A fun way to add a touch of shimmer and glimmer to your baked goods!
Halloween Towels – A simple and cute way to decorate for Halloween in the kitchen!
Halloween Apron – An apron is a must-have for any frightfully fun baking adventure!
‘Tis this season for baking and I wanted to give you a head start on prepping your pantry and kitchen for the BEST baking season yet. These are my tried and true baking tools and essentials that I use daily in the kitchen. Now is the time to take a look at what you have…
‘Tis this season for baking and I wanted to give you a head start on prepping your pantry and kitchen for the BEST baking season yet. These are my tried and true baking tools and essentials that I use daily in the kitchen. Now is the time to take a look at what you have and get everything prepared… You’ll be thanking yourself later, I promise.
What Do You Really Need?
When it comes to baking tools and baking essentials for cookies, cakes, pies, and everything in between, what you use will make a huge difference. If you already have some of these, great! You’re already a few steps in to prepping your kitchen for a terrific baking season! Maybe you have these items, but it’s time to upgrade those cookie sheets or get new oven mitts. Seriously though, when was the last time you bought new oven mitts? Make sure to read the full list so you can make note of what you need or what needs to be replaced in your kitchen!
The Basics
1. Measuring Cups/Spoons – Definitely baking tools we can’t live without! When it comes to measuring ingredients, you don’t need anything fancy, but you do need a set of dry measuring cups and a set of liquid measuring cups. There is a difference! Measuring spoons can be used for both for dry and liquid ingredients. I also love using this sticky measuring cup for ingredients like peanut butter or honey!
2. Cooling Rack – If you need a cooling rack for cakes and cookies, these are great. If you’re going to be baking batch after batch of cookies, you’ll need a tired cooling rack that can hold a lot of cookies but not take up a lot of space.
3. Silpat – This baking tool will take the place of parchment paper, so if you’re going to be baking a lot, I’d suggest investing in one of these. It also makes for a great gift for the baker in your life!
4. Parchment Paper – Using parchment paper will help you immensely when you’re in the thick of baking! It makes cleanup a snap!
5. Oven Mitts – Really ask yourself when was the last time you bought new oven mitts? It’s not something that’s ever on our mind, but I’m betting you could use some new ones! I love using silicone oven mitts, and these come in tons of fun colors!
6. Kitchen Mixer – This stand mixer is a workhorse and will get the job done right.
7. Flex Edge Scraper – This is an attachment that goes on your kitchen mixer and it’s for all that frosting you’ll be making! It’s also a great tool for thin cookie dough and compound butters.
8. Hand Mixer – This mixer has 9 different speeds and has a case for all its attachments!
9. Mixing Bowls – These bowls will last you years to come!
10. Food Coloring – Gel food coloring is the only way to go when coloring your frosting and baked goodies. This is a complete set and the colors can be mixed to create your own unique shades.
11. Kitchen Scale – When baking cupcakes and cakes, it really is best to weigh your ingredients! It’ll yield the best results! I love that the display can pull-out so you can read the weight when a large bowl is on the scale.
12. Mini Food Processor – If you need to chop anything finely, this is the way to go!
Cake and Cupcake Baking Tools
Spring Form Pan – Whether you’re making a baked cheesecake, a no-bake cheesecake, or any cake, you’ll most definitely want a spring form pan!
Offset Spatula – These aren’t just for frosting cakes! They’re and essential baking tool because you can actually use them to flip pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, or even burgers. During holiday baking it can frost cakes and cookies, help release muffins from their tins, spread cake batter evenly, shimmying under rolled-out sugar cookie dough to transfer cut-outs to a baking sheet, spreading jam or frosting between layers of cakes, and so much more.
Cookie Sheets – USA Pan Bakeware is a favorite brand of mine. They’ll last you for years to come.
Cookie Scoops – The more sizes, the merrier! These will ensure your cookies are all the same size!
Cookie Cutters – There are so many different shapes out there, but I always have a round shape on hand.
Whisk – For mixing those dry ingredients together!
Cookie Spatula – The baking tool you didn’t know you needed! This spatula is thin and flexible… perfect for lifting those cookies off the tray without breaking them!
Pie Baking Tools
Dough blender – Absolutely essential for creating a dough that’s just right! Easily cuts the butter right into the flour!
Pie Pan – Nothing fancy here, but this will bake the perfect pies every time!
Non-Slip Mat – This baking tool helps measure the perfect size for your pie dough and gives a non-stick surface to work on.
Pastry Cutter – Create stunning lattices with this cutter!
Hot days call for summer cocktails! Maybe fruity, maybe frozen, and definitely refreshing, these drinks will help you cool off and celebrate the season all in one. Below, you’ll find the easy cocktail recipes I’ll be making all summer. Perf…
Hot days call for summer cocktails! Maybe fruity, maybe frozen, and definitely refreshing, these drinks will help you cool off and celebrate the season all in one. Below, you’ll find the easy cocktail recipes I’ll be making all summer. Perfect for any occasion from a neighborhood BBQ to a laid-back evening at home, they include fruity margaritas, bubbly spritzes, non-alcoholic refreshers, and more. I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite from these festive summer drinks. I hope you love them too! Our Best Summer Cocktails Paloma Cocktail Jack and I make this tequila cocktail every summer. We might be […]
Ignite your 4th of July BBQ with our top grilling recipes. From classic burgers to unexpected treats, become the neighborhood grill master.
The post 4th of July BBQ Ideas Right off the Grill appeared first on Girl Carnivore.
Ignite your 4th of July BBQ with our top grilling recipes. From classic burgers to unexpected treats, become the neighborhood grill master.
I believe cooking and baking should be as enjoyable as it is practical. I’ve rounded-up unique, whimsical, and fun kitchen gadgets that get the job done, but in a fun way. Get ready to cook with style AND with a smile! Fun Kitchen Gadgets for Everyone! More Gadgets You May Like If you like more…
It’s time to discover the essential must-have tools for your at-home cocktail bar! From shakers to glasses to cocktail picks, it’s time to elevate your cocktail game and impress family and friends with signature drinks and concoctions! Cocktail Bar Tools More Drinks to Make at Home Lavender Haze Cocktail Strawberry Daiquiri Salted Caramel Mocha Martini…
We all know that every kitchen needs a stand mixer, measuring cups, or baking sheets, but what are some other tools that can help you be a better home cook? Here are some of my favorite kitchen gadgets that will not only enhance your cooking, but also make meal prep more enjoyable. Get ready to…
Whether you’ve been baking for awhile or just starting out, these Halloween baking supplies are what you need to create boo-tiful desserts! Before you start making all the spooktastic cupcakes and cookies, make sure you have these must have-Hallween baking supplies on hand. Spooktacular Halloween Baking Supplies Tempting Treats to Try Now that you are…
‘Tis this season for baking and I wanted to give you a head start on prepping your pantry and kitchen for the BEST baking season yet. These are my tried and true baking tools and essentials that I use daily in the kitchen. Now is the time to take a look at what you have…
Ignite your 4th of July BBQ with our top grilling recipes. From classic burgers to unexpected treats, become the neighborhood grill master.