A Meal Solution to Celebrate BEEF Month

Have you ever received a request for assistance with a task? If so, you can probably relate to my experience last Saturday a.m. Phone rings – Kevin: “Need a gate opener at the calf shed in a little bit.” Me: “How long is a little bit?”

Kevin replies, “Five minutes.” So, I quickly threw a load of laundry in and made my way to the calf shed. This time of year when the planter needs to be rolling every minute counts! Twenty-five minutes later the skid loader arrives at the calf shed. So, I took advantage of a little photo shoot as I waited.

As I opened the gate for the skid loader to enter the calf shed on a beautiful spring morning, I couldn’t help but think how awesome it is to play a small role in producing the high quality, nutritious, mouth-watering beef that Iowa is known for around the world. It also happened to be May 1 – which means it is Beef Month!

The Cattle in the hoop barns are fed using the tractor and feed mixer wagon. It has a scale on it to weigh the ingredients (corn, corn silage, dried distillers grains, hay, and a liquid that provides carbohydrates and protein). Each group of cattle has a recipe that is used to mix the feed.

Snickers is now nine years old and doesn’t know life without cattle! Look at everyone lined up at the bunk in the background.

“Don’t forget about us over here! Are we next?”

May is known as Beef Month in Iowa. Join Iowa beef producers in celebrating this month. Enjoy beef on the grill, in the oven, or as a snack at a ballgame this summer!

Beef provides a great source of protein for ALL ages. For the first time since the 1985 edition, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans include recommendations for children under two years of age. Including foods rich in iron and zinc is stated. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that meat, including beef, be introduced as an early solid food in an infant’s diet, since proper nutrition during this critical time sets the stage for continued development and lifelong health. Beef contains nutrients essential for physical growth, a developing brain, and a developing immune system. Just remember beef provides ZIP – Zinc, Iron, and Protein! Eat beef!!

Today I am sharing one of my family’s favorite meal solutions for grilled hamburgers!

MICHELE’S HAMBURGERS

3 lbs. hamburger*

1 c. cracker crumbs

2 eggs

¼ c. milk

1 ½ tsp. garlic salt

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

8 slices of bacon (optional)

Mix together hamburger, cracker crumbs, eggs, milk, garlic salt, and Worcestershire sauce.

Shape into hamburger patties. (6 – ½ pounders or 12 – ¼ pounders) Don’t overwork hamburger.

Using thumb, place small hole in center of burger to ensure even cooking. If using bacon, wrap with bacon and insert toothpick before placing on grill.

Place on preheated grill. For best results, flip one time.

*For best burger results use freshly ground 80/20 beef.

Recipe resource – Sister-in-law, Michele Jansen

Following is another way to enjoy hamburgers on the grill:

Lean Mean Cheeseburgers from the Iowa Beef Industry Council

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH – As the saying goes, “seven days without beef makes one weak!”