Birthday Bash for the Big Guy

Yesterday was the big guy's birthday and his special request was a hamburger barbecue. Boy he's easy to please isn't he - especially since he did the burger cookin'. They were delicious and not something we have a lot of so certainly special in their own way.

The burgers were simply burgers, lean ground with a bit of dried breadcrumbs, some milk, egg, and spices but the clincher to keeping them from erupting into volcanoes as they cook is to put an indentation into the center with the bottom of a tablespoon. The big guy cooked them on the flat top instead of barbecuing them, and along with some caramelized onions they were out of this world, moist and delicious.

The picture shows the burger basically undressed, because I really wanted to tell you about the cheese. This isn't just any old cheese you know, but some we order from Washington State University's Dairy.What you're looking at on the burger is their American, but they have several different kinds that we order on line. It's all fabulous - the Natural Viking Crimson Fire is pepper jack cheese with an added kick and the Cougar Gold Cheddar is extra old, well aged and fabulous and the American, well it melts like a dream and tastes incredible. Not anything like that nasty waxy stuff you buy in slices, believe me. The cheese comes in cans (see below) and must be refrigerated when you receive it, but talk about something wonderful. 

The big guy's brother gifted us with some Cougar Gold the first Christmas we lived in Tucson and we kept it in the fridge to age for 5 years before we opened the can. It was incredible - absolutely incredible. You don't have to wait that long though as it's good to eat as soon as you get it, but if you're patient and hide an extra can in the back of your fridge, it's so worth the wait. Here's the link everyone. Give 'em some business, OK? You won't be sorry! I promise you it's some of the best you can buy.

 
Back to the big guy's bash. Other menu items - New England Style Baked Beans made extra special with the use of our Easter ham bone that I'd kept in the freezer for just such an occasion. Leftovers should taste so darn good - man! These beans are fabulous and very easy to make, especially since I was lazy and used canned Great Northern Beans. Loaded with onion brown sugar, molasses, mustard and ham, the flavor is fabulous. Download New England Style Baked Beans Course we also had some creamy potato salad which may have been overkill, but hey - it was the big guy's special dinner after all.

Dessert - oh man what a keeper this beauty is. You see the big guy's got a real major affinity for raspberry and dark chocolate and while I made him the cake (from hell) last year, his choice was going to be a repeat of that darn cake until I mentioned this Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie and his decision was final. He put me out of my misery and chose the pie instead - isn't he just the best!!

A chocolate graham cracker crust is coated in melted semi sweet chocolate to keep it from getting soggy, then covered in fresh raspberries before being topped with a rich, creamy, decadent chocolaty, not too sweet filling. As if that isn't enough, I made a dark chocolate ganache, then whipped it and piped it into little chocolate mountains topped with a raspberry. For a pie that's pretty simple to make and fairly quick too, it tastes like a million bucks. Honestly, the big guy just kept grinning as he shoveled it in.  Download Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie

As for today - well I'm sure enough not eatin' much till dinnertime let me tell you! I'm still stuffed but the big guy took repeats of the whole thing for his lunch today. I figure about 2 he'll be lookin' for an afternoon nap...the old fart. 

Comments

[Cathy]

I made bbq'd burgers this weekend finally :) Nothing like a big juicy burger - with lots of bourbon caramelized onions and goat cheese! And your pie looks simply amazing.

[Hilary]

You were able to keep Cougar cheese for 5 years!? Adam got some six months ago and has already demolished one tin, and is gearing up for the second, now aged 4 years.

That is some serious dedication!

[June]

Cathy - mmm bourbon in the onions sounds wonderful and goat cheese mmmm. Thanks, the pie's pretty darn good, I admit.

Hilary - I'll have to correct you on the serious dedication - we managed to work our way through a few other tins before we opened that one. It sure is fabulous cheese isn't it?

[noble pig]

Okay what a find on those cheeses, I have to get some. And that pie...wow, so amazing sounding. Happy Birthday to da' Big Guy.

[June]

Cathy, you're so close if you order your cheese one day you'll likely get it the next. They are super quick and boy, it is so GOOD. I'll pass your good wishes along to the birthday boy. Thanks!

[Mags]

Wow, what a feast! I don't know what to comment on first so I'll just say that it all looks so delicious.

I still haven't ordered my cheese. Thanks for the reminder 'cause I still want to do that.

[June]

Thanks Mags. Better order quick because they don't ship when it's really hot out.

[Nanan]

My oh my - I can't believe I have been away from the puter for a few days - and missed such good food! I must support higher education and order some cheese today! Gotta make the pie! Miss ya Junebug!

[June]

Missed you too Lea. Are you OK or just busy?

[LowWoopaynaky]

Just thought i would change my old techniques of not commenting and say hello. Been around for awhile and have loved your posts

[June]

I love the fact that you've been lurking for a while, and really appreciate hearing from you. Comments are golden and yours even more so. Thank you!