Mushroom Steakhouse Burgers

There's nothing like a good burger. We are huge burger lovers and usually have burger night once a week. My favorite way to eat a burger is simple: cheddar cheese, with mayo, ketchup, lettuce and a slice of tomato. But I definitely like to try all kinds of burgers.

My sister in laws were recently in town to celebrate my daughter's birthday. Everyone returned back to Florida after a few days but my sister in laws stayed. We spent our days by the pool, at the mall, and on the floor in the family room, entertaining a certain one-year-old. Rachael Ray's show was playing in the background one afternoon and we all stopped to "ooo" and "ahhh" over a burger that was being assembled on screen.

I still hadn't figured out what to make for dinner that evening and we were all suddenly dying to try that burger. After a quick trip to the store I had all the necessary components to whip it together. And I gotta tell you, it was so easy!

Source: adapted from Rachael Ray (the meat mixture is my own recipe)
Servings: 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 pound ground sirloin
1 1/2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1/8 teaspoon oregano
pinch of basil
salt and pepper to taste
8 slices Swiss cheese
4 hamburger buns, toasted and buttered

For the steaksauce:
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup A-1 steak sauce
half the juice of a lemon
Salt and pepper

Place ground sirloin in a mixing bowl. Add BBQ sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Lightly mix to combine. Score the meat into four sections so your burgers will be about the same size. Form 4 patties, using your thumb to make an indention in the middle. You want them to be plump on the sides, skinny in the middle so they'll cook evenly. Set aside.

Preheat oil in a small skillet. Add mushrooms to pan and begin to brown. Once they start turning brown, salt and pepper them to taste. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, then reduce and caramelize until there is a rich brown coating. Remove mushrooms from heat and set aside.

Heat another skillet with oil to medium. Place the patties into the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes; flip and then cook for 3-4 more minutes more, depending on how rare you like your burgers. Turn off the heat and top burgers with 2 slices of cheese and mushrooms. Allow to sit for 1 minute for cheese to melt. In the meantime, make the sauce.

To make the sauce, place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Drain burgers on paper towels before placing on buns. Toast the hamburger buns and butter both sides. Assemble the burgers, topping with a dollop of sauce.

Life as a SAHM

There are some days we spend nap time in the car.

We stay indoors because it's too hot to play outside. Messes are made.

Even if we have no where special to go, we still like to dress up.

Walks are good for both Mom & baby.

Early morning wake ups mean cuddle time on the couch watching cartoons.

And somehow, I still find a way to make dinner.

Friday Finds & Faves

I have lots of non-food items to share with you so today we're starting with that first!

These shoes! Since becoming a mom, my days of wearing high heels have been limited. I think I've forgotten how to wear them, maybe it's time to try again? :)

My new TV guilty pleasure, Mistresses. If you haven't seen this show, you're missing out. I'm completely and totally obsessed and I apologize to all my IRL friends who are sick of me talking about it. I can't take it! I hate that it's a summer show because then it will be off for the rest of the year. :(

I love everything in our new house. The deck, all the natural light we have, our front porch, the list goes on and on. I finally finished organizing our pantry and I'm in love. Now I need a cookie and candy jar!

Every time she's in her stroller, a leg goes up in the air. Chillin. 

Sweet potatoes are suddenly all the rage. Where have I been? This one has black beans, greek yogurt, guacamole, cheese, and chives. Total yum.

Brookies. I mean, what? A brownie with a cookie. Or a cookie within a brownie? I don't know how to describe it but it blew my mind and I wish I had thought of it!

Classic Fudge Brownies

Brownies are not usually my choice of dessert. I mean, duh, I love brownies and will eat them if I see one, but if I'm out somewhere, at a restaurant, sweet shop, whatever, I'd pick ice cream, cookies, or a slice of pie before I'd get the brownie sundae off a dessert menu. I guess because to me, every brownie sundae tastes the same and I like to try something different when I'm out to eat.

I love having brownies as a dessert option for parties, get-togethers, or a night at home. They're a crowd pleaser, easy to eat, and will satisfy almost anyone's sweet tooth. Not to mention there's no serving involved, just grab and go! I made these recently when our family was in town and they were a hit.

Is it just me, or is making brownies from scratch a lot of work? I don't make them very often, usually because I'm disappointed in the outcome and puzzled how a boxed mix can taste better than homemade. That is, until I found this recipe!

These brownies are absolutely perfect. I'd have to even go so far as to say they are probably the best I've ever had. For real! They're chewy, fudgy, and bursting with chocolate flavor. I couldn't resist adding chocolate chunks over the top of the batter before putting it in the oven. Your fingers will get all messy from ooey gooeyness, totally worth it!

Source: Food Network Magazine Jan. '12

Servings: 20 
3.38 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup granulated sugar 
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks, divided 
1/3 cup fat-free milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided (omitted)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°.

Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup chocolate and milk in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir in butter, vanilla, and eggs. Add milk mixture, 1/2 cup chocolate, and 1/4 cup nuts to flour mixture; stir to combine.

Pour the batter into a 9-inch square metal baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup nuts. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 20 pieces.

Friday Finds & Faves

Who's going with me to Bath and Body Works this week? I'm a sucker for pumpkin scented anything and how cute is this ceramic pumpkin!?

Peanut butter pie sheet cake. Someone needs to have a birthday so I have an excuse to make this.

This is seriously one of the best looking pies I've seen in a while. Don't you just want to reach into your computer screen and have a bite?

GroopDealz. Have you heard about this site? I've started my Christmas shopping because I've seen so many cute things, for great prices!

Finally, I got my hands on this book. I've heard lots of good things. Have you read it?

Having nursed my little girl for a year, I look forward to reading the breastfeeding diaries every week. If you're a new nursing mom or know someone who is, I highly recommend reading!


Have have great weekend!