I’ve been wanting to post this for a while now as I figure most of us are well on our way to backyard BBQs and maybe looking for a new upgrade for our burgers. I’ve always loved lots of toppings on my burger, onions, raw and/or cooked, ketchup, mayo, mustard, cowboy candy, and any other fixings; thinking mostly of burgers as a vehicle for all these toppings, that is until I started to add this spice mix. I first encountered a version of this mix on the tv show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It was from a restaurant I have long lost track of but I believe it was in the southern states and if I recall it was in some version of a basement diner. This mix was added to ground beef and shaped into a hot dog, boiled and then simmered in bbq sauce. Its claim to fame was the multilevel spiciness. I don’t have the exact measurements and/or ingredients but made a version from my vague recollection of this episode. If this information sparks anyone and you know where it’s from please comment. I would love to add this to my post.

For now, we’ll have to settle for my take on the inspiration. Adding this spice mix makes any burger stand on its own and you can cut back on the toppings to really enjoy the burger. Good bye to dead meat on a bun…. Hello deliciousness! And for a little added healthy bonus, farm fresh eggs from a friend of mine. If you have that opportunity I say, always take advantage of it!

You see on the plate some hand cut fresh matchstick fries, my husband’s favourite, probably because he also loves hickory sticks…. and these really are mostly like chips. As well deep fried cauliflower (my favourite) with a special sauce that makes any deep fried veggie shine. This recipe goes back to a 2012 post, not my best photography, but the food is still super yummy and it’s definitely worth a go if you already have the deep fryer out to make French fries…. What don’t have a deep fryer???? What’s wrong with you! 😉 LOL…. we only use ours on special occasions…. like this. Anyway… If you have the deep fryer out, then these are a nice addition, just don’t leave out the sauce, it really brings the cauliflower to the next level of scrumptiousness and I promise you’ll be looking for other uses for it. It’s just that good.

I mix up a small bottle of the spice mix and have it on the ready anytime I make burgers, meatballs or even meatloaf. It doesn’t have salt, I find it doesn’t really need it, but it also leaves you to add your own amount, I find everyone is a little different with how much they like to salt their food. I also like to leave it out so that I can always have that discretion.

Spicy Ground Meat Mix

• 2 Tablespoons granulated garlic
• 2 Tablespoons onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon chilli powder
• 1 Tablespoon cayenne powder
• 1 Tablespoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon white pepper
• 1 Tablespoon celery salt
• 1 Tablespoon onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican allspice
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

Mix all ingredients together in a jar and keep for use in all ground meat recipes. If you would like a spicy burger I add per 20 oz of meat, 2 Tablespoon of this mix, 4 Tablespoon bread crumbs, 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 egg. This will make 4 nice large burgers. You can always cut down the spice mix for a less spicy burger. With these ratios it packs a nice slow simmering heat in your mouth…. for all your spice loving friends and family this is a party for sure!

Bon Appetite!