Hamburger Sliders

My good friend Linda is dying. I just returned from hospice where a large group of her family and close friends are gathered. We saw her but she slept the entire time because she's on heavy painkillers to make her last minutes bearable. Thank God she can be comfortable. I pray she is.

Linda longed to write a cookbook but never did to my knowledge. It was going to feature her many specially blended Italian-Spanish recipes. Before she got too ill to cook, I used to encourage her to follow her dream. Unfortunately, she didn't get around to it.

I'm so very sorry her dream didn't come to fruition.

I'm heart-sick that soon we'll say our final goodbyes. Today felt like it. I gave her a kiss and told her I love her.

When I got home from hospice and did my mundane chores - folded the laundry, put away the dishes, put new sheets on my bed - I realized Linda hasn't been able to enjoy these little things for years. When my cats and dogs barraged me for attention during my chores I realized she nor her pets will ever have that pleasure again.

One thing my friend was able to enjoy during her long illness was to watch her favorite cooking shows on TV. A couple weeks ago when I was last able to talk to her in person, I interrupted her watching one of those shows.

In a bit I have to make another dinner, then take my daughter to her softball practice. I won't complain that life is boring, that I want more zing and pizzazz. I'll remind myself to enjoy the little things that make up life that my friend won't be able to enjoy anymore.

Two of the things I enjoy doing are writing and cooking, so without further ado, here is today's recipe.

The other day I tried to make White Castle type sliders and wound up with a different, yet awesomely delicious hamburger slider.

I love onions but my picky children won't touch them, so I made two versions - one with and one without onions.

I will definitely make this recipe again and again. And except for White Castles, I've never been a hamburger fan.

HAMBURGER SLIDERS

Makes about 16 burgers



INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lb ground beef
3/4 tsp All-Season Salt
3/4 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 pound onion, finely diced
1-2 tsp olive oil
16 pack Hawaiian Sweet Rolls


DIRECTIONS:

Mix well ground beef with the salts and pepper.

Divide into 14-16 balls. On a flat surface, flatten balls into small, thin squares.

Make 4 small holes in each patty.

Freeze the patties for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in medium-heat non-stick skillet. Brown diced onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

When onions are soft and translucent and patties are ready, place the patties hole-side down onto onions in the skillet. Cook until brown. Flip patties. Cook thoroughly.

When done, place patties on Hawaiian sweet roll. Scoop extra onions onto bun.

Serve with sweet potato fries or french fries or other side.

* If you have onion-haters like I do, skip the onions. You will not need to make holes in the patties nor freeze them. Just cook the square patties. Add cheese if desired. I think these are so tasty, cheese is not needed. This says something, coming from a huge cheese lover.