Celebrate the 4th American style

This week, to honor the holiday, we are preparing an American favorite: burgers and fries. These recipes will make about eight servings.

HOMEMADE BURGERS AND FRIES

Ingredients

For the buns:

4-1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup warm milk

1⁄2 cup warm water

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 egg

Sesame seeds, optional

For the hamburger patties:

2 pounds ground sirloin

1 pound ground brisket

3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the fries:

3 pounds sweet potatoes or white potatoes

About 4 tablespoons olive oil

Salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, to taste

Putting it together

To prepare the buns, add all of the ingredients except for the sesame seeds to a large mixing bowl and mix for at least three minutes. Let the dough rest for about five minutes.

Cut the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a round ball, then press each dough ball with your hand to flatten slightly. Place the buns on a greased pan and let them rise for about 30 minutes in a warm area.

While the buns rise, add the hamburger ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix until well incorporated. Divide the meat mixture into eight equal portions and form into patties. Set aside until ready to grill.

Before baking the buns, brush them with a small amount of water and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Bake at 425 degrees for 8-11 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cut the potatoes into 1⁄4-inch strips and toss with the oil and spices. Bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees, or until crisp and golden brown.

If you choose, you can bake the buns at the same time as the fries. Bake the buns for about 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees if cooking them with the fries.

While the fries and buns are baking, prepare any toppings you would like to serve with the hamburgers, such as slices of cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, etc.

Grill the hamburgers until the interior of the patties reach the desired temperature. Then assemble the burgers any way you prefer and serve with a side of hot french fries and enjoy.

Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City, Calif. Contact him at 530-844-2111. His website is cilantros.us.