Crunchburger (aka the Signature Burger) This is the "house" burger at Bobby's Burger Palace. It's a basic burger (I like it garnished with red onion, tomato, romaine lettuce, and horseradish mustard) with CRUNCH. The crunch factor comes from a big handful of potato chips layered between the burger and the bun. Some of you may have added chips to your sandwiches as kids, and if people ever told you that you were nuts, I'm here to say that you're not! Oozing melted cheese becomes a part of the chips and those crunchy chips become a part of the burger-delicious. I love getting a mouthful of juicy burger and salty, crispy potato chips in one bite; it's a way to get a true contrast of textures into your cheeseburger. In fact, I make it an option to have all of the burgers at Bobby's Burger Palace "crunchified." Serves 4 11/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 11/2 tablespoons canola oil 8 slices American cheese, each 1/4 inch thick 4 potato hamburger buns, split; toasted (see page 15), if desired 4 slices beefsteak tomato (optional) 4 leaves romaine lettuce (optional) 4 slices red onion (optional) Horseradish Mustard Mayonnaise (page 109), optional 4 handfuls of potato chips 1. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper. 2. Cook the burgers, using the oil (see page 16) and topping each one with 2 slices of cheese and a basting cover during the last minute of cooking (see page 21). 3. Place the burgers on the bun bottoms and, if desired, top with tomato, lettuce, onion, and a dollop of horseradish mustard mayonnaise. Pile on the potato chips, top with the bun tops, and serve immediately. Excerpted from Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes by Bobby Flay, Stephanie Banyas, Sally Jackson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
