Old Bay Burgers Bring Me Back to the Kitchen

Yesterday, for the first time since the baby was born, I put on my apron and made dinner. It was nothing fancy: Old Bay burgers with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss and toasted baguette; baked sweet potato "fries;" and roasted Brussels sprouts. Kevin joined me and the baby happily bounced in his bouncy seat watching his parents. It felt good to get back into the kitchen as a family.

Kevin made the burgers. As a native of Maryland, he claims to love crabs, but I think he may really love anything that can get spiced with Old Bay seasoning. Made with celery salt, dried mustard, red and black pepper, bay leaves, cloves, allspice, ginger, mace, cardamom, cinnamon, and paprika, Old Bay makes a yummy addition to standard burgers.

Old Bay Burgers
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 pound sliced Swiss cheese
Four 2-inch pieces of baguette
1 tablespoon spicy honey mustard
1 caramelized onion
1/4 cup sautéed mushrooms

Mix the Old Bay Seasoning into the ground beef and form into four patties. Grill for four minutes on one side. Flip. Grill for another two to three minutes for medium-well burgers. Add Swiss cheese and allow to melt.

Toast baguette on the grill for two minutes. Coat the bottom of the bread with mustard. Place the burger on the bread. Top each burger with onions and mushrooms.