BAR-B-Q...Braydon Style

A good barbecue can often be the key to an amazing evening. What's better than eating food that's been cooked outside? Not a whole lot. I'm no barbecue expert, and generally am very straightforward with my 'cuing. Recently, I bought some marinades and have been coating my chicken and pork chops in them for a few hours before cooking them- I am so refined in my cooking ability, huh?

Tonight, I barbecued hamburgers for Clinton and I, and our last minute guest, Chuck. My inspiration to barbecue burgers came about a month ago, when we were invited for supper at the Braydon's house (you know, the Fundy Heights Braydons...Chris and Kâté). Because it was a Sunday and it was after 5:00, we had no place to go but Olsen's to buy something to contribute to the event. So, we brought some patties and buns. We did not know what a treat we were in for. Once the burgers were cooked, Kâté brought out the "garnishes" if you will- pesto mayonnaise, avacado, tomatoe, crumbled feta cheese, and havarti cheese. Whoa! If they had been at our house, we would have offered them some no name ketchup, and Clinton might have finely chopped up some pickles and called it relish. Anyway, Kâté explained that she had gotten the inspiration from Relish, the new burger restaurant uptown. I swear to God, this burger was the best thing I had ever eaten! I plowed through it like I was in some sort of contest, and quickly grabbed another bun for seconds. I've been thinking about that meal ever since.

Tonight, I finally decided to try it myself, with a couple differences. First off, Chris had made his own rub for the burgers, but I could not remember what he put in it except garlic. I skipped this due to my lack of memory. Second, we brought pre-made patties with us the first time, but tonight I used a package of ground beef, and made the burgers myself. I decided to chop up some onion and garlic, toss in some Cajun spice and pepper, and mix it all together. After making the patties, I put them in the fridge, and could smell the garlic and Cajun spice every time I opened it. Yum!

The toppings we used for ours were tomatoes, avacado, pesto mayonnaise, and crumbled feta (we skipped the Havarti because I am super stingy...it was one cheese or the other for me, not both). Here is the finished product:

My burger- so yummy!

Clinton was extremely pleased with his burger (maybe now he'll stop wishing he was married to Kâté):

"I sure do love my wife!"

I hope I've inspired you to try this, or some variation of it, as the Braydon's inspired me (and as Relish inspired them). You will not be disappointed! Enjoy your outdoor grilling, friends :)