THE MIRANDA
Suffice to say, I’m not a burger fan. I mean there was a run in my first and only year in college where White Castle served its purpose, as did a mushroom cheeseburger called The Superman from a diner not far from campus. Now, I can go long stretches of time before seeing a Denny’s and think double cheeseburger – only to order a Build Your Own Sampler … or Loaded Nacho Tots. And let’s not with McDonald’s. You don’t go to McDonald’s for a cheeseburger; you go to McDonald’s for McDonald’s. This burger, however, The Miranda, was the genius of a very, dear man I worked with during my daze at ‘Fake Joan’s,’ and for whom it is named, and is very well the only burger I crave when those quiescent cravings quicken.
PREP/COOK TIME: 15 – 25 Minutes
Makes 4 Burgers
INGREDIENTS
1 (16 Oz) Package – Kingsford Pulled Pork Sweet and Smoky Kansas City Style
2 Lb – 80% Lean 20% Fat Ground Beef
1 Tb – Kosher Salt
1 Tsp – Coarse Black Pepper
4 Ciabatta Rolls
¼ Cup – Unsalted Butter, Room Temp
1 Jar – Pan-Made Tomato Jam
½ Cup – Mayonnaise
1 Tb – Finely Grated Garlic
8 Slices – White Cheddar Cheese
8 Slices – Gouda Cheese
THE NITTY GRITTY
GARLIC ‘AIOLI’ – Whisk together mayo and garlic till fully combined.
Prepare Kingsford Pulled Pork Sweet and Smoky Kansas City Style per microwave directions. Leave covered till ready to use.
BURGER – Using a butter knife or bowl/bench scraper, divide ground beef into four half-pound portions. Shape portions into rectangular patties matching the size of each ciabatta roll; allotting about a half-inch all around for shrinkage. Using your finger, press five dimples into each patty; about a half-inch within each corner and one in the center. Heat a large skillet, or grill pan, at medium high for 2 – 3 minutes. Add patty to hot pan; cook for about 3 – 4 minutes. Season burger with salt and pepper and flip using a spatula (do NOT press down); cook for another 3 – 4 minutes. Transfer burgers to a tray or baking sheet to rest.
ASSEMBLAGE – Cut rolls lengthwise; arrange cut-side up on a baking sheet, butter each slice evenly. Place in broiler on high six inches away from heat. Broil till slices are crisp and golden around the edges. Remove bread from broiler and spread evenly 2 Tb of ‘aioli’ on each bottom slice of ciabatta and 2 Tb of jam on each corresponding top slice.
Add a generous, even amount of pulled pork on each bottom slice of ciabatta; top with two slices of Gouda. Add burger on each sandwich half followed by two slices of white cheddar. Crown each burger with their awaiting ciabatta roll top and serve.
APRIL 25, 2020
