Classic Luke's Burger 7.22 Bon Voyage

“Anyway, we're better as friends you know, don't you think? Like ‘Hey Luke can I get some coffee?’ You know friends like that. Like "Hey Luke can you make all the burgers for Rory's re-enactment graduation party?" you know?"

Ingredients:

For the burgers:

• 1 ½ lb ground wagyu beef

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

• 1 tsp ground mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 egg

For the sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp liquid smoke

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

For assembly:

• Sesame seed burger buns*

• Sliced cheddar cheese

• Sliced beefsteak tomato

• Sliced pickles

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Butter lettuce leaves

*If you have been around here for any length of time, then you know I cannot form my own bread recipe. I did make my own burger buns, but I followed this easy recipe, if you’d like to use it as well (or store bought is fine!)

Directions:

1. To a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients then shape 4-6 burger patties.

2. Place a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray then add your patties.

3. Cook the patties for about 7-8 minutes on each side. A meat thermometer should read at least 160 degrees F when inserted in the burger.

4. To assemble, spread an even layer of the sauce on both slices of the bun. Place a leaf or two of butter lettuce on the bottom slice of the bun. Add the burger and place the cheddar cheese on top of the patty. Add a slice of tomato, sliced red onion, and a few pickles before placing the top of the bun onto the burger.

AHHH I DID IT! I have officially cooked my way through Gilmore Girls. It’s so bittersweet because I’m sad this part of the journey is over, but I’m really proud I accomplished this feat. This started out as just a little pandemic passion project, and I had no idea it would grow to this level nor that I would actually cook a dish from every episode of the original run of the show!

I had to end this series with the most iconic dish from the show, a classic burger from Luke’s diner. I’ve actually been planning to end with a burger since I was on season 1 if I ever made it to the finale. It just felt like the perfect way to wrap up the original run of the show.

I will be sharing some reflections here in the next few days and also over on my Instagram about this journey. Make sure you are checking my Instagram on my third anniversary, November 11 for a special announcement of what’s next!

Thank you so much for your support on this project, as always,

Happy cooking from the Hollow!

If you missed what I made last episode, catch up here!