A basic burger is like a blank canvas on which I can create infinite taste-bud experiences.

Often, I get an idea here and another notion there, and I combine them to form the concept for a specialty burger fit for the flavors we fancy in our home. This is one of those creations.

I discovered a recipe that incorporated salsa into the patty. Then I found another recipe that topped a cheeseburger with guacamole. I thought: Why not put those together? And then use sour cream in place of other condiments. Of course, a slice of cheese is a must.

That’s how I arrived at this burger, which is really quite simple to make. I hope you’ll enjoy it, especially since, as it’s prescribed below, it’s an original recipe of mine.

 

For the Patties:

1 pound ground beef

½ cup salsa

½ cup cheese, your choice

½ cup sautéed onions

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

 

For the Guacamole:

1 ripe avocado

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons minced garlic

pinch of salt

 

For the Burgers:

4 hamburger rolls (your choice of style…we happened to use ciabatta for these)

sour cream

additional cheese

 

What You Do:

1. Saute about half of a small to medium onion in either a dash or olive oil or butter. Drain onions.

2. Mix beef, salsa, cheese, onions, garlic powder and black pepper until well combined. Divide mixture into four patties.

3. Cook your patties. If I’m not grilling them, I prefer cooking them in a packet of heavy foil in the oven on about 375 to 400 degrees for 15 minutes or so, turning once for a more even doneness.

4. Make your guacamole by mashing your avocado, squeezing your lime juice, mixing the two and incorporating the garlic and salt well.

5. Assemble your burger. Toast buns then slather your desired amount of sour cream on the bottom bun. Top with hot burger and an additional slice of cheese. Then add a healthy dollop of guacamole and the top bun. You’re ready to serve.

Enjoy the flavor!