A Word From The Other Parsimonious Chef...: Grown & Sexy.. Open Face Slider w/ Bleu Cheese...

Grown & Sexy Sliders

I am a no fuss kinda guy, at least that's what I think although I'm sure that some of my friends would beg to differ. For the most part I wear shorts and flip flops as I move about the city, I'd like to blame it on moving to Cali but Northern California isn't exactly the warmest place in the country. So let's just chalk it up to function over fashion. Don't get me wrong I'm into haberdashery even with the shorts that I choose and I think I clean up quite nicely.

While slumming it can be comfortable there are times when something more is required, let's pen it as "Getting Your Grown & Sexy On!" Going out for an evening on the town is a part of what I do to entertain myself and keep a healthy balance, you know the saying; "all work and no play makes Mark tie one on eventually!" or something like that. Grown and Sexy just means putting on my glad rags and acting the part. Be it a wedding, black tie affair or other occasion, there are times when more is required both in dress and approach. Well, food can be the same way!

Burgers are always a great idea to have at almost anytime and while can think of a plethora of adjectives sexy just isn't one of them if it's served in the usual manner. There are burgers made with Foie Gras, Kobe Beef, Angus Beef and many other items to make it taste supreme but does that make for a sexy burger? While it may enhance the taste I'll argue that it's still not sexy enough to make it on the menu for a Grown & Sexy Affair.

On the Menu: Open Face Beef Sliders With Bleu Cheese AKA The Grown & Sexy Slider

Once the spring and summer hits heavy foods take a back seat to items that don't leave you feeling bloated and hot. Bread is delicious but has the unfortunate side effect of being overly filling on some levels. Because Sliders are small two biters, it's more than likely that one simply won't do. Normally as the tray gets passed around you will find that you have scarfed down three or four sliders at a party. What I have found is a two part benefit to subtracting the top layer of bread for sliders, it decreases the calorie count and it sets it up for an awesome presentation. By making the burger and open face burger you are able to show of the toppings, the toasting of the bread and the color and texture of the burger itself. In other words you are now able to make this common burger a sexy one worthy of any affair, and more than likely one of the most talked about items of the evening.

For the burgers we will need the following:

Ground Beef (1 #)
Salad Greens (1 oz)
Season Salt (1 tsp)
Garlic Salt (1 tsp)
Cherry Tomatoes (2 ea)
Red Onions (1 ea)
Bleu Cheese (1 oz)
English Muffins (1/2 per slider)

Make the patties by adding the season salt and garlic salt first and then form into small "slider sized" patties. Grill by adding salt and cooking until at least medium rare. Once cooked remove and set aside. Add butter to the pan to cook the onion then toast the english muffin, remove and set aside once done. Dress the burger by adding items in this order 1) muffin 2) sauce 3) lettuce 4) slider 5) onion 6) bleu cheese 7) tomato 8) sauce (see below).