$31.17 Delivery? I Made a Better Burger at Home| My Love Letter to Small Cheval
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$31.17 Delivery? I Made a Better Burger at Home: My Love Letter to Small Cheval
When the craving for a perfect burger strikes, the choices can be overwhelming. There’s something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy, well-crafted patty topped with the freshest ingredients. Yet, living in a bustling city often leads us down the rabbit hole of delivery apps, tempted to splurge on gourmet burgers from our favorites. Recently, I encountered a familiar dilemma: after years of raving about Small Cheval’s burgers, I considered ordering one—which, upon checking the cost, would set me back $31.17 for a single meal, including delivery fees and tips.
The Allure of Small Cheval
For those unfamiliar, Small Cheval is a revered gem in Chicago’s burger scene, known for its simple yet exquisite menu. The ambiance is casual, the staff friendly, and the burgers are nothing short of legendary. Each bite promises a perfect balance of flavors, from the charred exterior to the melty cheese and fresh toppings. But was the high cost of delivery really worth it?
A Better Burger at Home
Instead of tapping that ‘Order Now’ button, I decided to channel my inner chef and recreate the Small Cheval experience in my own kitchen. Armed with fresh ingredients and inspiration from countless burger recipes, I embarked on a culinary adventure. Here’s how I did it:
Ingredients:
- Quality Beef: 80/20 ground beef for the perfect fat ratio.
- Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery buns for an authentic feel.
- Cheddar Cheese: Aged for flavor and meltiness.
- Toppings: Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, and crispy onions.
- Condiments: Classic ketchup, spicy mustard, and homemade special sauce.
The Cooking Process:
Prepare the Patties: I gently shaped the beef into patties, ensuring not to overwork the meat—this keeps them tender. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper was all they needed.
Heat the Grill: Preheating my cast-iron skillet created that coveted sear. The sizzling sound greeted me as I placed the patties down, excitement building.
Melt the Cheese: Once the patties were cooked to perfection, I added a slice of cheddar cheese, covering the skillet to trap the heat and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Toast the Buns: A quick toast on the same skillet infused the buns with a hint of the beef flavor, elevating the experience even further.
Assembly: Stacking the components was an art—patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, crispy onions, pickles, and a swipe of special sauce. Each burger was glistening and bursting with flavor.
The Taste Test
The moment of truth arrived when I took my first bite. The combination of textures and flavors transported me to burger heaven. It was every bit as satisfying as a Small Cheval burger—yet there was a sense of pride that came from crafting it myself. Plus, the overall cost was a fraction of what I would have spent on delivery.
A Reflection on Value
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to justify spending a little extra on convenience. However, this experience reminded me of the joy of cooking and the value of quality over convenience. The cost of my homemade burger? Roughly $10, leaving plenty of room in my wallet for a dessert experiment!
Conclusion
So, the next time you find yourself pondering a hefty delivery fee for a burger, remember that you can create a masterpiece in your own kitchen. Small Cheval may have captured my heart, but my love letter to homemade burgers is equally strong. Whether it’s the thrill of the grill, the joy of experimenting with flavors, or simply the satisfaction of saving a few bucks, making a better burger at home is an experience worth savoring. Cheers to delicious bites and culinary creativity!
