Babs' Memorial Day eats

Social media star Babs Costello shares her easy recipes for backyard barbecue success

Babs' Perfect Burgers

Babs sprinkles mustard powder into the meat mixture for a pop of zingy flavor that takes these patties over the top

2 lbs. ground beef 80/20 (no leaner)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. mustard powder

1⁄2 tsp. pepper

1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce

6 lightly toasted brioche buns

Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced onion and assorted condiments

Prepare grill for high direct-heat cooking. In bowl, using wet hands, gently mix ground beef, salt, mustard powder, pepper and Worcestershire sauce (make sure to not overwork or you will end up with tough burgers).

Shape into 6 patties (½ lb. each; if they are any smaller, they shrink when you grill and you don't want the burger to be smaller than the bun). With wet thumb, make thumbprint in center of each patty to keep burger from puffing up in middle.

Place burgers on grill. Close lid; reduce heat to medium. Cook burgers, flipping once halfway through cooking time, 3-4 min. per side for medium or to desired doneness.

Build burgers: Place brioche buns on platter. Add burgers, lettuce, tomato, onion and desired condiments.

Servings: 6. Active time: 20 min.
Total time: 30 min. + grill prep time

MORE TIPS FROM BABS

• Spray each side of your burger with olive oil spray right before placing on grill.

• Never press burgers with spatula-if you do, you will lose all the juices.

Keep burgers cold until ready to grill, and flip only once during cooking.

Brats & All the Trimmings

Onions simmered in beer create the flavor-packed topping

BRATS

2 cups pilsner or lager 

2 cups cold water

2 medium onions, chopped