Burgers with Chipotle Chili/Cilantro Mayo, Seasoned Baked Fries

Best burgers ever.
Ever.
I've never really made amazing burgers. They've always been ok, or even good, but never delicious. I'll be honest folks, I don't grill outside as often as I should (to learn, improve, experiment and so on). My grilling skills are mediocre, but after this recipe I feel like a grilling superstar (the key is the panade). I was smiling from ear to ear all evening. My husband even said these were the best burgers we've ever made. My toddler ignored the food as usual.
She never eats.
I don't know how toddlers survive without food.
Anyway, that's a rant for another day.

As for the mayo, well, I was watching Food Network years ago and Bobby Flay was making burgers. I remember him saying that you should never add too much flavor to the meat, the majority of the flavor should come from the sauce and toppings. I've tried both and I have to agree with him. I do prefer a plain burger with flavorful toppings. They have always been the most successful for me. This burger has some flavor, but nothing strong or overwhelming. The mayo, on the other hand, has great flavor and really takes this burger up a notch.

Mayo

Chipotle Chili and Cilantro Mayonnaise

Serving Size = 4 - 6

*This is a very rough recipe. I just added to taste, which is what I recommend for everyone.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons miracle whip
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Mix together and refrigerate until ready to use.

Panade

Yummmm

Grilled Burgers
Serving Size = 4 - 5
Original Recipe
*I cook my burgers well done

• 1 1/2 lbs 80% lean ground chuck (I probably had 1 lb, so I lowered the salt a bit but kept the rest the same)
• 1/2 cup chopped or torn white bread with the crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons steak sauce (I don't have steak sauce, see info below)

1. You might need to start your grill first if you use charcoal.
2. In a bowl, mix together the milk and bread until it is a mushy paste (the panade). Add the salt, pepper, garlic, and steak sauce. Mix well. Add this to the ground beef and mix until combined. Make hamburger patties and place on the grill (the frugal girl recommends oiling the grill first with a paper towel dipped in oil to keep them from sticking). 
3. Cook 2 - 3 mins on the first side and 3 - 4 mins on the second side (and don't forget to grill the buns too).

Steak Sauce: I mixed 2 teaspoons ketchup, 1/8 teapoon or so of mustard powder, some cayenne pepper or hot sauce, a few splashes of worcestershire, 1/4 teaspoon or so of cider vinegar.
I'm not sure what steak sauce tastes like, but from what I barely remember it seems like it had a lot of vinegar to it. Anyway, I just through this together, no measuring. If you're missing something, no big deal. I'm sure if you skipped steak sauce completely it wouldn't make a big difference.

Related Post: Homemade Hamburger Buns

Seasoned Baked Fries

Serving Size = 1 (I increased this of course)

Original Recipe

*I lowered the cooking time to 400F based on reviews and it was a big mistake. The fries had trouble crisping and came out a bit oily.

• 1 large baking potato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (EVOO, careful not to use too much)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (I doubled, at least)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1. Preheat oven to 450F. 
2. Cut potatoes into wedges. Mix together the oil and spices. Place fries on a baking sheet and pour over the oil/spice mixture. Mix to coat evenly.
3. Bake for 45 mins, flipping at least once. Keep an eye on them. I cut mine pretty thin, so they cook a bit faster (some reviews said to set the oven to 400F instead, so you might want to drop the heat if they look like they might be browning too fast, but 450F works for me).

Linking to: Foodie Friday, The Weekend Roundup, Food on Fridays