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1
Season the beef with salt and pepper, sprinkle with the garlic powder, and knead to mix.
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2
When the spices are evenly mixed in, divide the meat into two equal portions and form into patties.
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3
Cook the meat patties over medium heat on a griddle or gas grill or in a frying pan, turning several times.
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4
Resist the temptation to press down on the patty with the spatulathis squeezes out all the juices and results in a dry hamburger.
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5
When the burgers are halfway done, split the buns and butter both sides.
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6
Lay the buns on the griddle or grill, and toast them until they are nicely browned along the edges.
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7
Then place the buns on top of the burgers to steam.
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8
Half-pound burgers should be cooked to medium (140F) after 12 to 15 minutes.
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9
Check the level of doneness with a meat thermometer.
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10
When the patties are done to your liking, spread half a tablespoon of mustard on each bottom bun and half a tablespoon of mayonnaise on each top bun.
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11
Place three pickle chips and an onion slice on each bottom bun and add the burger patties.
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12
Then put the tomato and the lettuce on top of the patties and finish with the crown halves of the buns.
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13
Serve immediately.
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14
VARIATIONS
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15
Cheeseburgers: Place American, pepper Jack, or Colby cheese slices on top of the patties after you turn them for the last time, and cook until the cheese melts.
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16
Proceed as above.
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17
Bacon Burger with Cheese: Follow the directions for a cheeseburger, then place two strips of bacon, fried crisp and cut in half, on top of the tomato.
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18
Jalapeno Cheeseburgers: Place pickled jalapeno slices and American cheese slices on top of the patties after you turn them for the last time, and cook until the cheese melts.
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19
Proceed as above.
