Friday, May 23, 2014

“Beef Patties With Bacon And Guacamole Topping” For Memorial Day

Well, its here, Memorial Day weekend! The unofficial start of the summer season. The last Monday in May is celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1971. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and then changed in 1882 to Memorial Day. A day that we commemorate all American soldiers who died in military service. Memorial Day is an occasion for expressions of memory, to remember the people who served for our country, living or deceased. As time marches on it now has become a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, BBQs, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.
My grandfather Louis A. Fiore

My grandfather Louis Fiore served in the Army. He was a corporal in the 9th US Infantry and was in Company A. When he was 17 he in-listed. (which he was under age) My grandfather fought in WWI and was wounded, (shot in the leg) in the battle at Chateau-Thierry, in France. He received a Purple Heart for his bravery and other medals as well. After his leg healed, he chose to go to Germany and joined the Army of Occupation with his old unit. When he passed on he was buried in the Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. I am so proud to have a grandfather who loved his country to defend it for our freedom. So today I honor him on this Memorial Day weekend.  

For Italian Americans it is especially important to remember that more that 1.5 million Italian Americans served in World War II – thousands of them died to liberate Italy. All Italians and Italian Americans have much to be grateful for today on this Memorial Day. Memorial Day is also a time to celebrate peace and sacrifice. There are many popular activities that some may enjoy such as, Memorial Day parades that take place in your local towns or cities.


One way to kick off the summer is with a family barbeque. Did you know that May is National BBQ month? What better way to celebrate than cooking outside on a grill. As you and your family reminisce about loved ones in the service there are so many quick and easy ideas for a very tasty BBQ. Some options are fresh corn on the cob roasted on the grill, enjoy the flavor of  fruit pies, lemonade, and you can’t forget, the gooey barbeque sauce or glaze to coat on your favorite meat, seafood or fresh vegetables…… yum, finger lick’ in good. 

My dad is our “Grill Master” in my family. When we were young kids he would use charcoal but as the years went on he used the gas BBQ. He would even go outside in the rain with an umbrella or in the winter when it was snowing and start up the BBQ for our dinner. He puts on his apron with his tools and cooks for the family, his famous steak, ribs, or burgers. Thanks dad for delicious meals and memories that will last forever! However you celebrate your Memorial Day remember to incorporate your holiday traditions with your family and no matter where you are, take time to be thankful for our freedom.


This weekend’s recipe is called “Beef Patties with Bacon and Guacamole Topping.” My family loves these spruced up hamburgers. Bacon flavors the meat and the guacamole sauce adds a tasty twist.


Beef Patties with Bacon and Guacamole Topping
 

Ingredients:
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese
2/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds ground turkey or beef
10 bacon strips (cooked & set aside)
10 hamburger buns split, optional



Directions for burgers:
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble ground turkey/beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into ten 3/4-in.-thick patties. Grill bacon and put on the side. Grill patties, uncovered, over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 160°F. Serve on buns with the bacon, and the Guacamole topping.


Guacamole Topping:
2 large avocados (about 1 lb) pitted, peeled, and cubed
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 tablespoons diced tomato
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro


Directions:
Mix all ingredients together with a Mortar & Pestle or a flat spoon until it is creamy & spreadable.  Add as topping to burgers. So, enjoy your holiday weekend, be safe, and 'Tutti, Mangia”

   
Till Next Time…………………….

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

10 comments:

  1. Thank you to your grandfather! We don't honor our vets and servicemen enough (imho). Love your guacamole! I don't do burgers, but I'd tuck into that guac in a heartbeat! Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend, Dottie!

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    1. Dear Christina, thanks for visiting tonight. I appreciate your comment about my grandfather. I agree sometimes our servicemen and women get put on the back burner as they say. So when a day like this comes, I feel it is so important that we talk about our loved ones, deceased or not, and say Thank You! I really like the turkey or veggie burgers, but my family are red meat eaters. I thought this may make a great combo and I love BBQ and guac is a fabulous added flavor. (plus it is so good for you) Happy Memorial Day weekend to you as well, dear friend. Blessings on a great weekend! Dottie :)

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  2. Dear Dottie ,
    A great post as usual , it makes my heart feel such joy to hear that you are honoring your grandfather and all , service people . How soon they forget until the next time they wants someone to lay their lives on the line .
    Like so many people since this terrible war began , I have lost so many family members and friends . Look into the VA Hospital scandal , now that is a mess .
    I also like your choice of burgers , not everyone is red meat eaters.
    Dear Dottie , I will be off the radar for a little while , my wrist is acting up again , I will try to do a couple of posts a week , if not I will still check in on you.
    Have a happy and blessed Memorial Day ...:) ~ Nee

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    1. Dear Nee, Thanks for stopping in for a visit. I agree, we all have to show our thanks and support for these men and women who risk their lives every day 24/7 for us and our freedom. Plus we have to respect and remember the deceased ones as well. They made the ultimate price. I am so sorry Nee, that you have lost so many friends and family in this terrible war. I know what you mean about the VA scandal. Prayers are the only thing we can do at this time.
      Glad that you enjoyed this post, and these burgers can be made with ground turkey or even veggies.
      I am sorry that your wrist is acting up again. I have problems also, but I wear a brace on my right hand at night in bed. It seems to help the next day. Hope and pray that you return to health very quickly. Don't worry about me, you just get better soon.
      Blessing on this Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy with your family...Dottie :)

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    2. Good evening Dottie , you are a sweetheart ... I broke a couple of small bones in my hand about 3 years ago and some time it acts up . I also wear a brace on my right hand made of leather an some other stuff .
      My biggest problem is getting my big girl ready to graduate from 5th grade to middle school and my baby boy from Kindergarten to 1st grade ;-D , now that's a hoot ...just go figure ...
      My mother's helper is a live in , the kids love her . I was 33 when my first was born and she's been with us ever since and she is a jewel .
      We are having Mudbug Madness here so I am writing a post about it , kinda hard trying with one hand ...lol...
      Have a Blessed Memorial Day and enjoy it with your family and friends . Nee ;-D

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    3. Good evening Nee, Sorry that you have that problem with your hand. I guess it is something you have to deal with. Like me we just keep going on...That is a big deal to go from 5th grade to middle school. They call that here stepping up. No longer a baby boy going from Kindergarten to 1st grade. That is also a big deal. I can imagine how you must feel, they are all growing so fast right before your eyes! May God Bless them....
      Your Mother's helper is a true gem, I can believe it. They are so important, and a live in what is better than that. You are very blessed with her and especially that the children love her as well. She will be in their memories for a lifetime.
      Mudbug Madness, I have never heard of that, so I will be anxious to read your post as to what that is all about. Sounds like fun...
      I hope that your hand gets feeling better so you can type and cook up a storm again. thanks for writing back, always good to hear from you. You are a dear friend. Enjoy your weekend...Dottie :)

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  3. Ciao Dottie!
    Yes you must be so proud of your grandad. In those days people had a sense of proudness in serving their country and that was so admirable. I love his photo. So many precious memories to cherish for you Dottie!
    I am so pleased to be back blogging. I did not realize I much I was really attached to my blog when I stopped blogging! Great to be back, Tanti bacioni

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    1. Hi Alida,
      So good to hear from you...glad that you are back..you were missed... Thank you for stopping by...Yes, I am very proud of my grandfather.He and his brothers were in the service in really rough times. Memories are always remembered.
      I would think that your fingers would be missing your blog. It is addicting at times, but well worth it, if it makes someone happy or remember a family memory. Glad that you are back..can't wait to see what beautiful dishes you are going to come up with. Have a blessed day!
      Ciao, Dottie :)

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  4. Dear Dottie, My dad used to love to BBQ.. He really loved it; of course we had the old fashioned kind with the charcoal; I still use that kind of grill.
    Your burgers look Great!! as Tony the Tiger would say!! They really do! and so does that guacamole; really nice.
    It is a weekend to remember all who served and all who gave. I hope all will say an extra prayer with their meal.
    Blessings dear. Catherine

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    1. Dear Catherine, Yep, I remember that as well, the charcoal, the lighter fluid, and the rolled up newspaper to start it. Then you had to wait till the charcoal would get white. (hot) It was fun in a way...BBQ always seems like a man thing. Thanks for your comment about the burgers and guacamole. I love the guac, it just goes so well with the burgers and really anything.
      Yes, I agree we always have to remember those that served and a prayer will be a nice touch. Hope people do that and realize the sacrifice that these men and women did for us, we also have to thanks God for the animals that served as well. Many people don't realize that dogs are part of the service too. Thank you for stopping by and your lovely comment. Blessings for a great rest of the week! Dottie :)

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