I wanted to make burgers this week. They’re Matthew’s favourite food and I’d cut out a decent looking recipe from Good Food magazine that I’ve been meaning to try for weeks.
I suddenly remembered the ancient burger press my mum passed on to me from donkeys years ago. It’s been sitting in my gadget cupboard just waiting to be loved again.
What a magnificent find! Instead of crumbly lopsided patties, the burgers were perfectly formed and so professional looking!
The press comes with a gazillion wax discs, which make freezing the burgers an absolute dream. So you can make a huge batch and have them ready for those last minute barbeques – nice work!
Inside the burger press box was a slice of social history. An old magazine cutting from Woman And Home detailing recipes you could make with your burger press – rissoles anyone?!!
I spoke to my mum to find out more about the origins of my little orange gadget.
Apparently my granny was a bit of a Woman And Home magazine afficionado and was forever sending off for their special offers. Three burger presses were duly ordered – one for granny, one for my mum and one for my Aunty Sue. Granny thought the grandchildren would love a never ending supply of burgers – spot on!
It dates back to the 1970s – the garish orange kinda gives it away!!! I love the burst of nostalgia it brings to my kitchen and really cherish anything that my lovely granny once used. Her spode crockery always reminds me of the delicious cooked breakfasts and roast dinners she would lovingly prepare. Food tastes better on her plates.
If you fancy giving a burger press a whirl you can find a great affordable version at kitchen-lover’s paradise Lakeland. Or of course you can pick one up on Ebay.
Being able to turn out decent home made burgers is definitely a must when you’re feeding boys! Thanks granny!
I served the delicious and juicy burgers up with warmed wholemeal pitta breads, some red pepper houmous which I’d made a large batch of yesterday, some home made coleslaw using a mixture of greek yogurt, mayo and dijon mustard for the dressing, and this gorgeous Orzo and Mozzarella salad…
I made far too much of it, but it’ll be perfect for Matthew’s packed lunches and as it involves pesto and pasta I know the kids will both not mind having it for a few lunches this week too!
Orzo and mozzarella salad (Good Food, July)
350g Orzo
20g basil
4 tbsp olive oil
25g grated parmesan
1 garlic clove roughly chopped
50g toasted pine nuts
290g baby mozzarella balls
100g semi-dried tomatoes
50g bag wild rocket
Boil the Orzo for 8 mins until tender, then drain and cool under cold water. Drain again, and tip into a large bowl.
Tear the basil, stalks and all, into a food processor (I used my stick blender) Add the oil, parmesan, garlic and half the pine nuts, then whizz to a thick pesto-like dressing.
Stir the dressing through the orzo, the season. Add the mozzarella, tomatoes and a handful of the rocket. Scatter with the remaining pine nuts and a little more parmesan. Top with more rocket and serve straight away.
Where’s my burger mummy? I want it NOW!!!! Just a little picture to illustrate the toddler ambush that occurs daily in the kitchen at 5pm on the dot if Arlo’s tea isn’t immediately in front of him!
Wow, Katie what a brilliant find. Your burgers look amazing, think I might have to have a look out for one of those.
But please please can you make some cupcakes soon. I want to make some with Will and I know that your recipe makes the tastiest cakes ever.
Take care x
Cupcakes…. Ah yes…. My FAVE thing to make!!! I just need an excuse really!!!!
This looks so lush – have you got a recipe for veggie burgers? And will try the Orzo recipe – have never known what to do with it.
I’ll have to see what veggie burger recipes I can find…. Leave it with me!
The orzo salad is so tasty – you have to try it!!!!
You know you can make burgers the same way using the lid to a jar of peanut butter.
Good tip Florida Blogger 🙂
Brought tears to my eyes reading about your Granny! Then to see young Arlo she would have loved him!!
I was thinking today about how much granny would adore the boys…
That orzo salad sounds lovely, will have to try that. And your burgers are very professional looking.
Nice to have some kitchen heritage too. Years ago, when my grandma passed away, my dad asked us if there was anything we wanted as a keepsake from the house. My sister immediately put her bid in for grandma’s pan. It must be 50 years old, bashed, battered and full of character. But it still makes corned beef and potato hash just like grandmas. It’s not the same from any other pan.