Put The Rice Cake Down!

Eating healthy, watching calories and fat, losing weight, weight management, and all the other horrifying terms we use sound like you will be eating nothing but lettuce and rice cakes. WRONG!!! That was one of the biggest things I learned very quickly when I started this.

I love hamburgers! Always have, always will. Quite frankly, I was concerned I would have to give them up. Fortunately, that turned out to not be the case. Granted, I can't roll up to just any place and chomp down a grease laden 1/2 lb burger. This whole diet is about choices, and making the right ones.

If you love burgers too. Never fear! Here is my favorite recipe. I hope you enjoy.

Triple Threat Hamburgers = 318 calories

 2 dried guajillo chiles

1 dried ancho chiles

2 Large Jalapeno Peppers

1-1/2 pounds 93% lean ground beef

4 tsp Frank’s Red Hot

Large sliced Vidalia onion

Lettuce

Dill Pickle Slices

6 Hamburger Buns

In a large cast iron skillet, cook guajillo, ancho chiles, and 1 of the jalapeno peppers over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly toasted. Cool at least 1 minute. Remove and discard stems and seeds. Transfer guajillo and ancho chiles to a large bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand 20 minutes.

Place guajillo, ancho, and toasted jalapeno peppers in a food processor. Blend until peppers are almost in paste form. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pepper paste, and 4 tsp of Frank’s. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Divide into 6 equal portions and make into patties (press down in center with thumb to maintain shape while cooking.) Cook burgers on the grill until desired doneness.

Assemble burgers with onion, lettuce, pickles, and another dash (or 2 or 3) of Frank’s.

Makes: 6 Servings