Crave Wednesday: Out-n-In California Burgers

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.  Because we're friends.  But really, we have to keep it between just us, because  they may repeal my California citizenship if it were ever to come out.  

*whispers* I'm not a fan of In 'n Out.

It's downright heretical.  If you've heard of this fast food chain, chances are it's in awed, reverent tones.  People make a point to visit the burger joint whenever they're in the area. Thatboy adores the place.

They make a claim that it's fresh, cheap, and quality beef.  But really, I don't find a difference between it and every other fast food chain out there.  It's a flat thin patty sandwiched between a tasteless bun.  

I love thick and juicy burgers, which is hard to find at most chain fast food establishments.  So for me, this knock off is a superior alternative.  I would much prefer a homemade patty I can really sink my teeth into. Especially one with avocado, which isn't found on an actual In n Out burger.

 

Out-n-In California Burgers (from Cooking Light)

 3 Tbsp ketchup]

2 Tbsp canola mayonnaise

2 tsp sweet pickle relish

 1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 lb extra lean ground beef

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

cooking spray

4 thin slices reduced-fat cheddar cheese

4 green leaf lettuce leaves

4 hamburger buns

8 slices tomato

1/2 ripe peeled avocado, cut into 1/8 inch thick slices

8 dill pickle chips

4 slies red onion

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Divide beef into 4 equal portions, gently shaping each into a 1/2 inch thick patty.  Press thumb into center of each patty, leaving a nickle sized indentation.
3. Sprinkle patties evenly with salt and pepper.  Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray.
4.  Add patties to pan and cook 3 minues on each side.
5. Top each patty with 1 cheese slice, cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts and patties are desired degree of doneness.
6. Place 1 lettuce leaf on bottom half of each hamburger bun.
7. Top with 2 tomato slices, 1 patty, about 2 avocado slices, 2 pickle chips, 1 onion slice, and 1 1/2 Tbsp sauce, and top half of bun.