Happy Birthday America!
I am sure you all celebrated to the fullest. Lots of grills were glowing and beers were chillin’. I love the 4th of July, it means my birthday is almost here! I like it for other reasons too, I like to grill with the family, sit out and enjoy the summer sun, and finish the evening watching the fireworks. In recent years we wouldn’t have to travel far to see the fireworks since my dad has turned it into a seasonal hobby. We would all hop in the car a couple of nights before the 4th and drive out to Ohio to stock up on our fireworks for the big night. I think we probably had one of the best shows around, the neighbors would come out on their decks and watch the show from our backyard.
Outside of the whole celebratory nature of the 4th there is something else that I am always thinking about on this day. My grandfather passed away on July 4, 2004. It was hard to celebrate and enjoy the fireworks after hearing of his passing. I remember turning to my dad at some point and saying that grandpa has become a part of the elites, the men who left their mark on this country and in the world who also passed away on the 4th of July. If you are scratching your head trying to recall who I might be talking about I’ll help you out.
Thomas Jefferson – 1826
John Adams – 1826
Marie Curie – 1934
There are many more but those are some of the highlights. Grandpa Bute joined that great list in 2004. Some might say that the day of your birth is important, and it certainly is but there is something to be said about passing away on such an important day. The 4th will always have stories and memories surrounding it and for me those memories will undoubtedly include my grandpa.
I decided to make my own hackneyburger in memory of my grandpa. The burger is a true Chicago original and I would say that Grandpa Bute was also a Chicago original. This burger may seem simple but once you taste it on rye bread you’ll know that it has just a little something special. Like my grandfather, simple doesn’t always mean boring as I can attest he was always able to make things lively.
Grandpa had a great work ethic and a big heart. It was obvious to everyone how much he adored my grandmother and their relationship was something I truly admired. I’ll never forget those Sunday phone calls when I was young, the gift of steaks for Christmas and his dry but silly humor that had us all laughing. I hope I inherited some of those great qualities that I saw in him and that I see in my dad everyday. I’ll always think of him on this day and I remember all who have made this world a better place. As we look to the fireworks in awe and excitement I take a moment to say “Grandpa, these are for you!” More about him here.
Not to be left out, grandma contributed to this meal with her Coney Island Relish. I found this recipe along with some pretty classic Americana salads and dressings (hopefully to come at a later date). I decided to whip this relish together to add the perfect touch to our burgers and hot dogs. It helps that the relish has some of my favorite toppings all blended together. So on this 4th, I am taking time to remember my grandparents and to thank them for being such a wonderful source of inspiration in my life while celebrating our great country and those who helped make it so.
Homemade Hackneyburger
Yields 5 Patties
1-1/2 Lb. Lean Ground Beef
2 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
Salt
Pepper
Toppings:
Cheddar Cheese
Lettuce
Tomato
Coney Island Relish (Recipe Below)
Dark Rye or Pumpernickel Bread
Instructions:
Add your seasoning to your ground beef and mix by hand. Make sure not to overwork the meat. The more you handle beef the tougher the burger gets. Preheat a grill and brush the grill with olive oil to prevent your burger from sticking. Cook the burgers to your liking. Once cooked place your burger on the dark rye or pumpernickel bread and add the toppings listed. Feel free to add other toppings that you prefer.
Coney Island Relish
Yields 2 Cups Relish
1 Onion Chopped
1 Cup Dill Pickle Chopped
1 Cup Sauerkraut
1 Garlic Clove
Pepper
Tabasco Sauce
Instructions:
Add all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend together. Add some juice from the sauerkraut if you want to have a little bit more liquid in the relish. As an added ingredient I also included some green tomato that we had left over from our farm basket. This topping is great on hot dogs and burgers.
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