Burgers and Beethoven

I had a very relaxing day off yesterday, enjoying my 'fritter' time on the balcony, sleeping well, then arising in the early evening.  For dinner last night, Will and I had what I call 'awesome burgers', which are similar in composition to the Parmesan meatballs I posted about recently.  You begin with one pound of ground beef (I prefer the 80/20 chuck) and half a pound of mild breakfast sausage.   Add 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs, one egg, a generous dusting of onion powder and a couple of healthy squirts from the squeeze bottle of ketchup, then mix thoroughly by hand.   Once the mixture is done, form into patties for grilling.   Will and I like big burgers so I make 3 half pound patties, although smaller patties can be made if desired.   Grill to taste, top with your choice of cheese and serve on fresh soft wheat buns with your favorite condiments.  I prefer mine with mustard lettuce and tomato.  You can vary the recipe by substituting fresh diced onions for the onion powder or adding small cubes of cheese that melt into the burger while grilling.  For those who like their burgers on the spicy side, use the hot version of the breakfast sausage and/or add a generous portion of diced jalapeno or habanero peppers and top with salsa before adding the cheese.  Of course any good burger would be incomplete with out french fries or chips, and maybe a sliced pickle finger on the side.  I hope you try them and find them to your liking as a regular menu option or special occasions like outdoor grilling on a long holiday weekend.  Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand as like all good burgers, they tend to be just a little juicy and messy.  

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra celebrated Earth Day last Sunday with a performance at Bass Hall of Beethoven's Symphony Number 9 in D Minor, Opus 125.  Unfortunately I do not have a recording of their performance.  I do, however, have the video of a magnificent performance of this piece in its entirety by the London Symphony  Orchestra, conducted by Josef Krips.  Soloists in the Chorale movement are Jennifer Vyvyan, Soprano; Shirley Verret, Mezzo-Soprano; Rudolph Petrak, Tenor; and Donaldson Bell, Bass.  The performance runs an hour and 5 minutes from start to finale giving you plenty of time to scroll on down the page for your daily dose of man candy.  This being Tuesday, it is time for this week's edition of Sexy Studs in Swimwear as they frolic about the pools and beaches of the world.  I am sure you will find one or two (or more) that will suit your fancy (evil grin).  Between the burgers, Beethoven and the scantily clad boys, you should have as delightful a day as I am having.  Thanks for the visit, see you again tomorrow.  Until next time as always, Enjoy!