Magic Burger Dust

I swear this really is magic.  This seasoning takes ordinary hamburgers and kicks them up to awesome hamburgers with just a dusting.  Not only that, but it's also magic how just a few pantry staples mixed together make something so delicious.  When we have a large crowd, it's just easier to get the premade burgers from the meat counter than make them ourselves (when I'm also making baked beans, potato salad, and who knows how many bars and other treats).  And this burger sprinkle makes the difference between those store bought patties tasting like that's where they came from and homemade burgers.  Just my little secret.  That I'm now sharing with you, and with my Foodie Pen Pal, cause I sent her some of this stuff, too!

It's Foodie Pen Pal time again and after a month off (because I lost track of time for a few weeks), I was excited to participate again.  Every month I look forward to Foodie Pen Pals, a concept thought up by Lindsay over at the Lean Green Bean.  Go visit her blog to learn how to join--bloggers and non-bloggers are welcome!  Each month you'll have a chance to send a box full of goodies to on foodie while receiving a box from another foodie.  It's a great way to try new things and meet new people.   This month I had the pleasure to send a box to Jenny from It's Sweet for Certain.  Jenny just ran a half marathon and is getting married soon, so in addition to the magic burger dust, I sent her a fun mix of treats.  Go check out her blog for more.  On the other hand, I received an awesome box from Shaunna who chronicles her healthy and exercise at Mamas13MinuteMile.  Shaunna sent me a fabulous package.

A mix of healthy snacks and decadent ones, I really enjoyed the quinoa crispbreads, which I have been enjoying for an afternoon snack at work, smeared with a bit of the raspberry spread or honey almond butter.  The rose salt should be a perfect treat addition for some fruit or chocolate recipes.  Dave claimed (but let me taste) the beef stick, which was very tasty.  A cheese sauce mix and a beef stroganoff mix will make a great meal for busy nights, and some morning, I'll remember to grab the apple cinnamon cereal!  And finally the lavender blueberry dark chocolate bar seems like something I'll enjoy as a perfect treat.  I'm saving it for an emergency of the chocolate persuasion.

But back to this magic burger dust.  The recipe from Budget Savvy Diva is actually for a homemade hamburger seasoning, but after sprinkling it on some grilled burgers, Dave renamed it (as he is apt to do) to magic burger dust, and I must agree that there is something magical about it.  I had doubled the recipe, but then immediately made more in the hopes we would get through grill season with a bigger jar.  Well see if we make it through--it might be tough because I'm sure Dave will want to have burgers a little more often, just for an excuse to use this flavorful and vaguely spicy seasoning.

Magic Burger Dust

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to distribute.  Transfer to a jar or other airtight container, shaking to combine further.  Label and store sealed.  Sprinkle on burgers before cooking.

Makes 1/4 cup seasoning.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

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