Serves: 4

For basic hamburgers, form 1 pound of lean ground beef into four 1/2 -inch thick patties.

Spray cold grate with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil. Place patties on grill about 4 inches above medium coals. Turning only once, cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium or until desired doneness.

When burgers are almost done, place buttered buns on grill with buttered-side down. Grill until lightly toasted.

Roquefort Burgers: Form eight 1/4 -inch thick patties. Place 1 tablespoon of crumbled Roquefort cheese on each of four patties. Top with a second patty and press edges together to seal. Dust surface with freshly ground pepper. Grill as above. Serve with thick slices of tomato.

Pizza Burgers: Mix 1/2 pound lean ground beef with 1/2 pound pork sausage. Form eight 1/4 -inch thick patties. Sprinkle four patties with 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried Italian herb seasoning and top with a small thin slice of mozzarella cheese. Top with a second patty and press edges together to seal. Grill as above. Top each burger with 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce and 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped green pepper and chopped ripe olives.

California Burgers: To 1 pound lean ground beef, add 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies, and 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped green onions. Form into four 1/2 -inch thick patties. Grill as above. Top each burger with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle with sprouts.

More Recipes from the Outdoor Dining And Grilling Cookbook:
Barbecued Brisket
Barbecued Trout Wrapped In Bacon
Charbroiled Steak
Corn Dog Squares
Grilled Salmon Steaks
Hamburgers
Lamb Chop Bundles
Nutty Burgers
Polynesian Turkey Bake
Skewered Franks And Vegetables
Southern Barbecued Spareribs
Spinach-Ham Quiche
Teriyaki Surf And Turf Kabobs