A Juicy Southern Burger
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Because she is such a great cook, nothing is ever too scripted for Paula on her shows and many options are always available for plating. I watched on the monitor as the boss reached past a plate of buns for a hot glazed donut and topped it with a juicy hamburger. Then she topped the burger with a fried egg and piece of crisp bacon before closing the contents in with another warm donut. She paused just for a minute before taking a bite. The crew was holding their breath. I admit I looked away as she went in for a bite. That single segment on Paula’s Home Cooking went “viral” and has since been viewed by millions of people on the Internet.
What you didn’t see was the aftermath of me making a dozen more of those “burgers” for the crew to sample after Paula announced it as being DELICIOUS! We had to send our shopper, out for more and more donuts because they couldn’t get enough. Anthony’s dog, Cody, even helped himself to one when no one was watching!
Paula has of course added a caveat to that outrageous burger stating you can only eat one in a lifetime because it is so sinful. I’m happy that I had a bite that day and probably will never have another. I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t like it. Because I did! It got me thinking why. The answer is simple. No matter how you take your burger, we are usually all looking for the same things. A little something juicy, a little something sweet, a little something salty and a little crunch all inside a soft bun. I hope the tips below help you to make the juiciest burgers you can this summer. And try this recipe for Paula’s Quick Burger and Fries Sauce.
Top Ten Tips For Making the Juiciest Burgers:
Don’t overwork your meat when mixing the ingredients.
Allow your patties to come to room temperature before cooking.
The higher the fat content in your meat, the juicier the burger.
Be gentle when forming patties…don’t use too much pressure.
Like a pancake, don’t press down on the patties while cooking. Test doneness by touch. The firmer the burger is, the more well done it is.
Make sure one part of the grill it hot enough to sear the meat, and another warm enough to cook it. The first thing you want to do is sear it, this locks in all the juices. THEN move the patty to another part of the grill that is a lower temperature for cooking.
Turn your patties only ONCE.
Try a teaspoon of butter or your favorite herb butter in the middle of every patty. This will ensure juiciness.
After you have cooked your burgers, allow them to rest without cutting for 5 minutes.
Don’t forget about ground chicken as an option for a super juicy burger. (Note: you will need to add a binder of breadcrumbs to keep the burgers together for cooking)
Paula’s Quick Burger and Fries Sauce
Equal parts ketchup, mayonnaise and yellow mustard stirred together. Use it as a sauce for your burger or a dip for your fries. Simple and Delicious.
I love your recipes and enjoy making them. We have been down to see you at your restaurant in Ga. Twice
good luck on all your venture. Also on qvc. All your cookbook I have. Helen
By Helen Kuhnert on July 02 2009
Paula, I love you so much. Thank you for all you do.
Happy 4th, REMEMBER OUR FREEDOM!!!!
Love,
Vera Nicklaus
By Vera Nicklaus on July 02 2009
Paula, I watch your shows whenever they are on all day. I just love you so much. I have cooked so many of your recipes and have loved each and every one of them. I especially love your Sour Creme Muffins. My husband says they are the best. He really loves them with sausage and gravy. Also tell Bobby I made his Goulash. It was heavenly. You make me laugh on days I am is so much pain. You give me a reason to go on. Thank you so much
Sincerely,
Michael Herrell
P.S. I am a female named Michael
By Michael Herrell on July 02 2009
Dear Paula, No matter how I’m feeling at the time when I watch one of your cooking or party shows,I always feel better. I’m going thru a rough patch right now, but it will be okay, I just get so much joy from your genuine personality, and your kindness on your shows. God Bless Cindy Khalsa
By Cindy Khalsa on July 02 2009
My husband and I just love you and your shows. We saw you live in Chicago on November 17, 2007, our 28th wedding anniversary. In early June we had the brunch dinner at Lady and Sons and it was fabulous. Thank you so much.
By Julie Wickland on July 02 2009
Dear Paula, You are such a blessing, you make me happy just to hear that….hey ya’ll. Are Sunday
School Class from Lupton Drive Baptist church came to Savannah last Sept. and had a great time…we ate at your restaurant, yum, yum. Thanks for all the recipes I get on my e-mail. Luv ya, Jean Howard from Chattanooga, Tn. 37343
By Jean Howard on July 02 2009
Paula,
Best cook in my lifetime!!! Your humor, genius and everything you bring to your shows, as well as your love for family & friends is the greatest!!! Keep it up and love, love, love ya!!!
By Becky Rudisill on July 02 2009
Hey Paula,I just love your show and the party you always have.I love your hair it is so pretty.Your cooking reminds me so much of my late mom’s cooking.I cook all southern cooking i am from Ky and you know how us hillbilly’s eat so i just love your cooking.Be safe and have a Happy 4th.
By Panna Stewart on July 02 2009
HI PAULA ,SINSE THE FIRST DAY I SAW YOU ON TV. I TRY NOT TO MISS A THING YOU DO.I CALL YOU HEY YA ALL.MY GRANDDAUGHTER 5 ASK ME ARE WE GONNA WATCH HEY YA ALL.TO DAY ,I SAY YOU BETCHA.
I LOVE IT .LIKE REST OF THE PEOPLE WHO WRITE YOU MAKE A PERSON FORGET THEIR PAIN ,OR SAD TIMES.
I JUST LOVE YOU.
KEEP UP GOOD WORK ,BUT DONE WEAR YOUR SELF OUT KEEPING UP.
LOVE ERMA IN IA.
By ERMA DUREE on July 02 2009
Hi Paula,
thank you for all of your receipes, and i can’t wait to come down to savannah to see ya’ll, and eat at your resturant.
have a safe and happy 4th of July.
By Susan on July 02 2009
Paula, I visited with my sons; yes, I have two also, probably about the same age as yours; a couple of weeks ago and they told me about this burger and that is what they and several of their friends are eating for the 4th in Austin, Texas.
Becky
By becky kennemer on July 02 2009
dear paula, i just love your show! watch you whenever i get off of my shift here at the hospital. would love to see you do a show on lunches and dinners,hospital workers like myself can do for dinner/lunch at the hospital.. Our hospital does have decent food. but I am on the b-shift and when I finally get to dinner, the pickings are quite slim!!!! Help!!!
By debbie weaver on July 02 2009
dear paula, i just love your show and watch it every chance i get. a lot of the recipes that you cook remind me of my grandmother. thanks for the memories
By rose miller on July 02 2009
Hey Debbie! I Love the idea of us doing something with lunches/dinners for workers like yourself. I’ll pass along the great suggestion!
By Libbie Summers on July 02 2009
Paula,
Blessings to you & your great family. You have done so much for people through your kindness, happiness, and your willingness to share your life with all of us. We love your strength and your programs/recipes. Keep on living & loving & remember that we love ya’ll.
By sandra echols on July 03 2009
Paula,I love watching all your shows.I try to never miss you when you or your boys are on any of the morning shows. You brighten my day.My 9 year old grandaughter has watched you with me since she was old enough to talk.I bought her your childrens cookbook and she has made several of your recipes.Thanks so much for the pleasure you give all of us.
Love and Best dishes
Kathy
By Kathy Dubree on July 03 2009
Dear Paula,
I cook Bobbys Goulosh almost weekly. It is just like my Mom used to make when I was growing up in northern Minnesota. Thanks so much. We were in Savannah in Feband took your tour and ate at your resturant and Uncle Bubbas we had the best time and love you to death. Keep doing what you are doing. You make a differance. Love you and your family.
Martha
Louisville, Tn
By Martha on July 03 2009
i have seen you twice in person when you come to atlanta with the metropolitan cooking show, i even got to talk to you the last time ,april 2009, i just love you . when my daughter found out i was going she got really upset i did not get her a ticket, so when you com e back to atlanta we will both be there . happy fourth of july ,be careful in all your travels.maybe one day i can see you in savannah at the lady and sons love you ,cindy
By cindy stephens on July 03 2009
Paula,
I watch your show everyday, actually twice a day.
I get really homesick when you come on. I am from the very small town of Rayle, Ga. I use your recipes all the time. I even hate to have to leave home if it is time for your show. Thanks for making me feel closer to home. We love you up here in Illinois.
By Karen on July 03 2009
Hey Paula, I love your shows, I never miss an episode! I was wondering where do you tape Paula’s Party? We were at Lady and Sons in May to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Just let me say it was the very BEST anniversary we have ever had. We met both of your boys and they are adorable. They are both sooo personable. The only thing that would have been better was if you yourself would have been there! Savannah is just beautiful and we are coming back. Love ya Carla
By Carla Griessmann on July 03 2009
I have been a fan for a long time. We are the same age and Paula,you are an inspriation. Because of your story I have felt inspired. You have put the joy of cooking back into my life. Cooking has become an outlet and relaxation in my busy life. Thank you for sharing your recipes and your life.
By Jennifer Johnson on July 03 2009
Miss Paula and crew,
Happy Fourth of July!!!! You are my cooking idol. Whenever I make something new or old my kids ask “Is this Paula’s recipe?” or I hear “Momma make something from Paula” I enjoy making your recipes but not as much as I enjoy sharing them with my kids. Thank you for being you, for sharing your family and their recipes.
God Bless
By Janeen on July 03 2009
HI PAULA!! I emjoy your show and seeing you in person as I have many times here in MS. I met you in Tunica once and enjoyed our talk so much. I love your restaurant in Tunica it is the best. I have lost two husbands in the past 12 years and my Mom to breast cancer, thank you for your support for the cancer society. When I am down you pick me up and make my day.
Keep doing what you are doing girl you are the best and your food, magazine and restaurants are great. God Bless. Paula in MS
By Paula Maier on July 03 2009
Hey! Miss Paula! Thanks for sharing your “Good country wisdom” with us all. I always learn something from you when we get together in my livingroom. My husband has taken over my stove and cooks like Paula now, umm umm, good! There is a lot of charm, wisdom and history to be passed down to our grandkids, so keep your “Good Work”!
Big Hug,
Kathy
By Kathy Lyle on July 03 2009
Dear Paula,
Just wanted to let ya know that i really enjoy your recipes,they all have turned out GREAT.
espically your volcano cake,it wonderful….
Your a great cook and i love your cookbooks.
regina
By Regina Alexander on July 03 2009
Dear Paula Just want you to know I ate at your restaurant and it was the best. Thanks
By Laine Buono on July 03 2009
Have a great fourth of July and remember how hard we fought for our freedom! Be real careful driving anywhere and remember family comes first. Don’t over do it, enjoy yourselves and have some fun!
By John Kaiser on July 03 2009
Paula, I thank you so much for being so willing to share your love for cooking, family and love of life! I was in a very bad car accident in July 2007 and had to learn how to sit,walk,etc. all over again. Thanks to God and thanks to your cooking shows on TV, I was given something to look forward to each day.
Love and God Bless!
Donna Hilmerson, Little Falls, Mn.
PS Hopefully, someday I will meet you in person!!
By Donna Hilmerson on July 03 2009
Happy 4th to you and yours and God bless!
Paula, thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes with the rest of us all!
Kristy Gill, Arizona
By Celticfyre on July 03 2009
Im a truck driver from springhill , la. I dont get to watch your show as much as i would like but every chance i get i do watch your show, It brings back memorys from watching my grandmother in the kitchen cooking, Paula i know one day im gonna get to meet you and get to hug your neck. thanks Paula and happy 4th to you and yours.
By Rodney Byram on July 04 2009
I download tons of your recipes and cook many of them. I, absolutely, love everything (as my hips can attest!). My girlfriends and I are coming to Savannah on Tues, and will be dining in The Lady and Sons on Tues. evening (8pm). We would love to have you join us…..ha, ha…...I know that you are probably so darned busy (but, we are really fun to be with!)
Love ya….Carol
By Carol Dissinger on July 04 2009
Paula I LOVE YOUR COOKING SHOWS, YOU ARE THE GREATEST SOUTHERN CHEF. I HAVE THREE SONS.
By Hossa on July 04 2009
Paula,
Happy 4th of July to your and your loved ones. I just love to watch you and check out your website for yummy stuff! My mother and I used to watch you on the Food Network together and she just loved you. She had all your cookbooks. When I lost her in 2005 suddenly, my heart broke, but when I watch you I feel like I’m with my mom again, laughing and cooking. You bring me happiness!
Love you & God Bless you,
Debbie Sprague
By Debbie Sprague on July 04 2009
Dear Paula, I love to watch your show in canada. Its nice to laugh with you. I always make your broccoli slaw recipe. Its the best i have ever tried. Thanks for the good times.
By gloria komistek on July 05 2009
paula, we are coming to savanah next week— we are definetly going to your restaurant, and hope we can get in.. i told all my friends that one thing i wanted to do before i die is to be invited to your house for dinner and hope you have rib eyes like one episode i watched!!!!!!—hope to see you soon—-greg scarboro
By greg scarboro on July 06 2009
Paula Deen, I love you! My friends and I visisted Savannah in 2001 and was told to go eat at Lady and Sons. We were told it was a 45-2 hour wait and I said that I wasn’t going to wait anywhere that long to eat. What a big dumby. I would wait on you anywhere now. I have had 2 parties for my Men’s Fellowship with church and everyone has to make a Paula Deen creation. Everyone just loves it. I think your just diamond that outshines all the rest. Love yah, Wayne
By Wayne Crutchfield on July 06 2009
Paula I love watching your showes.I have all your cook books and i love them .Iwas laid off from my job in 2008 there is twogood things I get to do now Iget to watch your shows and I get to keep my grand son he is 9 months old .Iwas very lucky Igot to come to ladyand sons last year and we love it .AndIlove you.Love Geraldine Hatton
By Mrs. Herman Geraldine Hatton on July 10 2009
Hi Paula, My daughter Sharon took me to Boiser to see you and then on a cruise with you. At you booksigning as soon as you and Michael saw me I saw looks of compassion on your faces as you each took my hands. I am on oxygen. I Am the person that hollered “Paula You really are beautiful”. You are so much fun and your shows are my life saver. My husband and I use your recipes all the time. He can not make Sybil’s Chcolate cake fast enough for our friends. So Good.
By Yvonne Bilbrey on July 11 2009
Hello Paula, im from Belize City in Central America and i watch your show all the time and sometimes my four year old son gets angry because he says all i do is watch you and the other members of the food network send me an email so i know you got mine. LOTS OF LOVE FROM YOUR FANS IN BELIZE!!!!!!!
By felicia gentle on July 13 2009
Dear Paula,
I am so late with this message! I had the pleasure of dining at The Lady and Sons last September, 2008. My family and I were in food heaven! One of your servers, Morgan, serenaded us at our table with a Blues song. She got the whole 3rd floor dining room clapping! I made Jamie’s Coconut Cake for Easter dinner. It was so good! I can only make this cake twice a year or we’ll all have to be rolled to the nearest gym. I hope to visit lovely Savannah again and stay longer! Love ya’ll!!
By Millicent Pettaway on July 22 2009
Hi; Paula I love watching your show I really enjoy trying your meals.I have learned alot about cooking from watching your show.Thanks,keep cooking fabulous meals.Love yall!!! God bless!! By SHEILA HUNT
By sheila hunt on July 28 2009
I totaly agree with your point here! I admire the stuff you post and the quality information you offer in your blog! Keep up the awesome work dude.
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