Juicy Lucy Burgers & Mozzarella Sticks

So being from Minnesota we love our fried and greasy food. It’s just a comfort thing, so tonight lather yourself in comfort.

Juicy Lucy Burgers are a well know Minnesota Favorite, and I love my burgers stuffed with anything. So I hope you enjoy my comfort foods from home.

Hamburgers:

1 lb. ground beef
1/4-1/2 c. bread crumbs
1 tbs. Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
2 slices American cheese (or whatever your favorite is)

Mix beef, breadcrumbs, italian seasoning and salt and pepper together in mixing bowl. Separate mix in 1/4 lb. portions, flatten into patty shapes. Fold the cheese in half then in half again. Place in center of 1 patty. Place another patty in top and shape around cheese. Make sure you seal this real well or cheese will seep out. Heat skillet on medium heat, fry patties. Flip when it starts to get brown. Poke a toothpick through top to let steam escape. Cook until internal temperature is 160 degrees. Top with favorite condiments and enjoys.

Now to give you a nice side dish to enjoy with this delectable burger. Home made Mozzarella Stick. So simple yet soooooo tasty.

Mozzarella Sticks:

8 pieces of string cheese
1/2 c. flour
1-2 tbs. milk
1-2 eggs
1 c. Italian flavored panko bread crumbs Oil for frying

Cut each piece of string cheese in half leaving you with 16. In 3 separate dishes place flour in one, mix together milk and egg in another and lastly panko. Start by dipping the cheese in flour then eggs then panko. Place on plate and put in freezer for about a half hour to let panko set. Remove and fry in oil for a few minutes until panko crisps and browns, making sure not to cook cheese out. Drain on paper towels. Serve with marinara sauce or my fave ranch!

Garlic Bread

Who doesn't love garlic bread? It is a staple in my house. Last night while rummaging around in my freezer I had a few loaves of bread that I had stashed. I have been buying the discounted bread off the bakery racks at Walmart and freezing them for future use. I had already decided to make some Alfredo and what goes good with pasta? You guessed it- Garlic Bread.

I had already saved a few recipes for garlic bread when I had come across some while searching around bigoven.com great website that let's people like me upload our own recipes and share with the masses.

This one was different as it used the cheese from the Kraft mac and cheese boxes. Luckily enough Kraft makes there cheese prepackaged in little bottles for uses on popcorn and such. Luckily I had some on hand since I stocked up on it because my husband liked to make his own mac and cheese and always stole the packets out of the boxes.

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter
1 tbs. Kraft mac and cheese cheese powder
2 tbs. Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 tbs. italian seasoning
1 loaf french bread

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or by hand to blend. Cut loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread butter mixture on each loaf. Broil in oven on low until melted and golden. Watch closely it will burn quick and you don't want to have to discard the mummy creation you just made. Serve with fave pasta or pizza or whatever you enjoy eating with it.