In our household the summer holidays are near, with the end of the term tests over and year end assemblies winding down, everyone is a buzz with what lies ahead, carefree summer days of trips, picnics and barbecues. Summer is not complete with a barbecue now and then and my children relish the idea of grilled burgers and hot dogs. How ecstatic was I to find an utterly unique of grilling your burgers, so the right amount cheese, meat and bun just compliments your tastebuds. To be honest, despite my exemplary ability at churning out the best burgers in town, my family, the ever loving critics will have some valuable observation. Therefore this summer I plan to appease the nit picky complainers, shush the all time whiners, for have I got a burger of a lifetime for them. Make it part of your barbecue this summer, there's no going back after this one! 

Ingredients (serves 6) 

1 ½ cups cheese, shredded 
½ cup cooked bacon, cut into pieces 
2 garlic, minced 
½ cup salad dressing 
2 pounds ground beef or chicken 
1 teaspoon salt 
2 teaspoons pepper 
6 burger buns 
12 pieces of lettuce 

Preparation 

Combine cheese, bacon pieces, garlic, and salad dressing in a bowl. Stir together and refrigerate. 

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper in a large bowl, and mix in with your hands. 

Grab a ball-sized piece of beef. Roll it with your hands and place on a parchment lined baking tray. 

Using a clean, empty can, press the ball of beef around the can to create a bowl. Make sure to smooth out any cracks. 

Fill the bowls with the cheddar mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours. 

Preheat the grill to 350˚F/175˚C. 

Cook burger bowls over indirect heat for 25-30 minutes. 

Serve with or without a bun with your favourite toppings. 

Enjoy! 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe