- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 oz cheese of choice (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella work well), cut into cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 gourmet burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles for serving
- Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a thin patty.
- Place cheese cubes in the center of 4 patties. Top with the remaining patties, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper. Grill until desired doneness, with the cheese melting inside.
- Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and condiments.
Cheese Course
Selections:
- Aged cheddar, creamy brie, and a pungent blue cheese.
- Accompaniments: Walnuts, almonds, fresh grapes, apple slices, and a drizzle of honey.
Assembly: Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments artfully on a wooden board. Provide cheese knives and small plates for guests to serve themselves.
Decadent Layered Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the frosting:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Stir in boiling water last.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake with a layer of frosting between the cakes and cover the outside with the remaining frosting.
This menu encapsulates a delightful journey from the savory richness of cheese-stuffed burgers through a thoughtful cheese course, culminating in the sweet indulgence of a decadent layered cake. Each course complements the others, creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the versatility and joy of cooking and eating.