The first hamburger showed up on New York menu in 1826, and the classic burger - a thick, juicy beef patty surrounded by a fluffy white bun -- has been an enduring American favorite ever since. The basic burger recipe is simple: Work the meat (at least 15 percent fat) as little as possible, use plenty of salt to season, and cook on a very hot surface to achieve that dark, caramelized crust we all crave (a grill is ideal for this). Making a <a href="/recipes/burgers/turkey/">turkey burger</a>, a <a href="/recipes/burgers/chicken/>chicken burger</a>, or even a <a href="/recipes/burgers/veggie/">veggie burger</a>? Follow the same principles. Toppings are up to you, of course, though it's hard to beat the classic combo of sweet, tangy ketchup and old-fashioned yellow mustard.
