HOMEMADE BIG MACS with SPECIAL SAUCE

A few years ago during an outing to Little Goat Diner, our daughter Hannah ordered the All-American Burger—complete with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun.  Everyone at the table tried it and loved it, so I decided to surprise them with a version we could enjoy at home. I started by Googling “Big Mac Special Sauce,” and there it was—the original recipe. But gack! It was pre-bottled, sugary, preservative-laden stuff. Consequently, I set about making a healthier version (and by healthier I do not mean low-fat, simply not so processed) that would still taste like the real deal.

It was an instant hit both at home and on my lifestyle site, the aesthete and the dilettante, where I originally published the recipe. Fire up your grills and prepare for smiles! Extra points if you whip up strawberry milkshakes.

HOMEMADE BIG MACS with SPECIAL SAUCE

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serves 4

INGREDIENTS

for the burgers:

• 1 pound ground chuck, gently formed into four patties

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into shreds

• 1/2 small white or yellow onion, finely minced

• 4 sesame seed buns

• 4 slices American cheese

• jarred pickle slices

for the special sauce:

• 1/2 cup Vegenaise or Miracle Whip

• 2 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (I use Wickles)

• 2 teaspoons finely minced shallot (or use 2 teaspoons of the onion you minced for burger topping)

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 3/4 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk sauce ingredients together.

2. Season the formed beef patties with salt and pepper and grill or pan fry to desired doneness.

3. Melt cheese on burgers during last minute of cooking. Assemble and enjoy!