The Gourmet Mama

This time of year, the internet is flooded with ideas for sweets for Valentine’s Day. While I’m never one to say no to chocolate, if you have someone in your life like my husband, meat is a better way to go . . . with chocolate for dessert, of course!

This burger is nicely shaped like a heart and features little touches like red lettuce, pink mayonnaise and paprika on top. It’s also easy to make, which is key for a quick V-day dinner when you’re a mom!

Hamburger Buns

8 buns

1.5 c. milk
3 Tblsp. margarine
3 Tblsp. sugar
1 Tblsp. yeast
4.5 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 egg

Heat the milk until it feels hot to the touch, but not unbearable. Stir in the margarine, sugar and yeast and set aside for five minutes.

In a bowl, mix the salt and flour. Add the yeast mixture and the egg and mix until smooth. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for five minutes. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes. This is a great time to make the rest of the meal preparations!

Heat the oven to 350º. Roll the dough out to 3/4″ thick and cut out with a large heart cookie cutter. Place on baking sheets, sprinkle with a little paprika and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Hamburger Patties

Makes 8 patties

1 carrot, finely shredded
1 medium onion, shredded
1.5 c. spinach, finely shredded
1/2 c. rolled oats
1 lb. ground beef
2 eggs
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. oregano powder
1 tsp salt

Mix everything together and use the same cookie cutter to form patties that are about half an inch thick.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the patties until browned on each side and cooked through, about five minutes.

Assembly
Tint mayonnaise with red food coloring to get pink and spread this on the bun. Add red lettuce and the patty, then top with mustard, ketchup and tomato slices. Add the top of the bun and serve!

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