Individualized Hamburgers Without the Hassle

Forget the traditional fried hamburger on a bun. That might be a family favorite but you know each person likes theirs different. Some like ketchup and onions. Others, the works. No matter what each person likes, though, you can have a fun family night while each person makes their own. No, that doesnt mean that the kitchen will be crammed with people of all ages tearing apart the fridge. Instead, patty out the meat, place on a piece of foil, then let them all get busy.

Its fun when the family cooks together but it can be utter chaos if young kids and hard-to-please members are involved. Have a cooking night with the family without the hassle or mess by letting everyone add their own additional ingredients.

Slice tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and similar items to make a baked hamburger package that will please everyone at the table. Each person can add what they want to their own foil packet. Other choices include garlic and other spices, assorted cheeses, tomato soup or tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and more. Choose from assorted sauces, veggies and other things you have in the kitchen. After each person has added everything they want tightly wrap the foil and place in oven. You can now even purchase foil pouches which are already folded into the pouch shape and ready to stuff and seal. These foil packets ensure there will be no leakage. Bake the hamburger packets for the amount of time needed. If one person has only hamburger and cheese, obviously, it wont have to cook as long as someone who has packed their foil packet with tomatoes, potatoes, onions and other vegetables. Serve the foil packets by opening them and sliding them out onto a plate. Add side dishes of rice or noodles, or just serve the contents of the foil pack. You can add side dishes of bread or other finger foods. If hamburger meat isnt your thing dont worry. You can make a foil packet with other meats, fish or chicken. Simply set out compatible foods and allow each person to make his or her own meal. Place a piece of chicken on each foil packet then let others add broccoli, cheese, tomato sauce, potatoes or other choices. The packet cooking method works for pork chops, sandwiches, steaks, hot dogs, assorted fishes, beef tips, roast beef, baked and chunked potatoes, and vegetarian packs. Just about any meat or vegetable combination will work. The technique works especially well for leftovers. Freeze leftover meats and vegetables then use them at a future date to make a foil packet for each eater. One could have a hamburger, one could have a pork chop, and so on. Just pull the leftovers out one day and let everyone choose their cut. Add additional foods to the packet until you have the meal of your dreams! After you see what each person likes you can save money by purchasing only those add-ons. Kids will love making their own hamburger or hot dog meal in a foil packet. Its easy, its fun, and its good, solid family time. Its not messy so go ahead and let kids get very creative. This could become a regular weekly supper event in your home!