Your classical American meal... healthy and made from scratch.

It's a hot summer day, you're hungry and you really don't want to go to the grocery store. How would you like a juicy burger with crispy French fries on the side?

In this consumer world, it's hard to believe that you can actually make a hamburger completely from scratch - with French fries on the side. Believe it or not, though, it's possible. With a little bit of patience, a stove and some simple ingredients, you can put together a healthy classical hamburger dinner for the whole family.

First you'll need my quick & easy hamburger bun recipe...

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dill
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 Tbsp dried yeast
• 4 Tbsp white sugar

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven at 360° Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic and dill.
• Combine the water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
• Slowly pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and create the dough. Add extra flour as needed if the dough is too sticky. Knead with your fists for 5 - 7 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 12 parts, shape into buns and place onto 2 greased baking sheets. Let rise in a warm area for 30 - 40 minutes. (Tip: To rush this process, I cheat and install a normal desk lamp with a heating light bulb right next to the buns.)
• Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Let the buns cool down before slicing.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp canola oil
  
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup oatmeal flakes

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet, and cook the onion until tender.
• Combine all of the ingredients (including the cooked onion) and mix until the meat holds together. Add more oatmeal if necessary.
• Shape about 8 patties, and cook each side for about 8 minutes over medium-low heat.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 large potatoes (cut into French fry shape!)
  
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven at 400° Fahrenheit.
• Combine oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder and parsley. Coat potatoes with oil/spice mixture and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 40 minutes in preheated oven.