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Ahhh, Whiskey Burgers! I took one for the team this week, and I remade these burgers just so I could get some better pictures. Such a sacrifice.....I know 🙂 They are still not perfect, but they are slowly getting better. This is my version...smothered in sharp cheddar cheese and no lettuce or tomato.....
This is Alex's version with dairy-free Swiss and vegetation.....
Food styling is not my strong suit, as you can probably tell. I spend so much time preparing the meal and taking pictures of each step, that I usually forget the most important part.....Getting the Money Shot! Well, I don't make any money, but you know what I mean. That all important picture that makes people drool and want to see more. Of course that shot is not necessarily the same shot that you need to get approved by the food p*#n sites!
Those sites have a completely different view of food. They want the "stuff" that goes around it and makes a magazine worthy shot. I prefer pictures that show off the actual food!!! Isn't that the point of a food blog? A place to show off FOOD, not stuff! I also do not have Martha Stewart's budget to buy plates, dishes, utensils, and linens in every color of the rainbow 😉
How to make Whiskey Burgers:
For the Burgers:
Form burgers into patties, season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until fully cooked.
Place cheese slices on top of the burger patties, cover pan and allow cheese to melt. Set aside.
For the Onion-Mushroom Topping:
Saute the onion slices in the oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the mushroom slices and continue to cook until soft and caramelized.
Add some of the Whiskey Glaze to the pan and mix together. The amount depends on your tastes, and how many mushrooms are used. (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)
To Assemble:
Toast the hamburger buns and place on a plate.
Top with a cheeseburger.
Then the onion-mushroom mixture.
Lay two slices of bacon over the mushrooms.
Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
Add the top bun and serve.
More Delicious Burger Recipes:
So I will continue to remake recipes, and take new photos in hope of achieving those all important drool worthy food photos...for you my loyal friends and readers...not to win approval of food p*#n sites!
Click here for the Whiskey Glaze recipe.
Enjoy!!
Whiskey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef grass-fed 85%
- sea salt & fresh ground pepper
- 4 slices provolone Swiss, or cheddar cheese (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced thin
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms or more if you love mushrooms
- 8 Slices uncured bacon cooked
- 1/3 cup Whiskey Glaze
- lettuce and tomato slices
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
For the Burgers:
- Form burgers into patties, season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Place cheese slices on top of the burger patties, cover pan and allow cheese to melt. Set aside.
For the Onion-Mushroom Topping:
- Saute the onion slices in the oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add the mushroom slices and continue to cook until soft and caramelized.
- Add some of the Whiskey Glaze to the pan and mix together. The amount depends on your tastes, and how many mushrooms are used. (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)
To Assemble:
- Toast the hamburger buns and place on a plate.
- Top with a cheeseburger.
- Then the onion-mushroom mixture.
- Lay two slices of bacon over the mushrooms.
- Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
- Add the top bun and serve.
Karen says
Well, I think your food photos are actually really good. The final shots always look well lit, well composed, and most importantly: appetizing. I also like that you include progress shots--it's a handy reference to have.
Marcie@flavorthemoments says
I have no problem styling some foods like muffins or cookies, it's the entrees that I seem to have trouble with...and burgers. They need to be oozing and juicy looking, which means I have to photograph them stat. I'm sure I will get better with time, but it can leave me flustered! Your burger looks incredible, the way I want mine to look in photos one day!
Min says
Yum! My husband would die for this burger for sure! He had a burger blog before he joined forces with me. To say he is a burger fanatic would be an understatement. Getting that money shot truly is a challenge! Esp when you take all the step-by-step pictures like you do, it's just a lot to think about. And I'm in my 30s and still a student so I def don't have $$ to spend. What I can do is just keep practicing and not stress out too much if the photos don't turn out the way I envisioned them. I think your photos are fantastic and they can only improve with time! Hope you have a lovely weekend, Lisa!
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
Lisa, Yum, this looks awesome - I love a good burger. Pinned!!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I'm with ya on taking pictures of food like people would really eat it and not all magazine-like! Your burger looks great to me 🙂
Carrie @ Frugal Foodie Mama says
Oooooo... this looks mouth watering! I always have the hardest time trying to make my burger pics look appetizing. It seems unless you pile them with toppings they don't look nearly as appealing, right? 😉
And you probably already know how I feel about those snooty food photography sites. 😉 Although since I have been improving my food photog skills I am tempted to submit to Foodgawker again just to see... lol.
Shari @ Shari Blogs says
You are REALLY making me want a burger for lunch! Those pictures are making my mouth water!
Gloria @ Simply Gloria says
I have never heard of that...but I just went over there and your pics are amazing! Your lighting is perfect! Really grabs my attn. I do the same thing when it comes to having to photographing the food...I stumble becz I just spent so much time taking pics of how to prepare the darn stuff...now I have to try to time (and limit) myself. I could seriously take f.o.r.e.v.e.r. And, it's gets frustrating! Love this post!
Gillian @ the haas machine says
Oooh, my husband would looooooove these! I'm going to have to give them a try!
Shari @ Shari Blogs says
I just checked out YumGoggle. I signed up. I can totally relate to your frustrations with the other food sites. Just when I think I have it figured out, I don't. I think a good food shot is one that zooms in on the food. Thanks for the mention of that site. 🙂
Carla says
Food shots are so hard! I recently bought the food photography book from Pinch of Yum and it is so helpful! Not quite done reading it yet but loving it so far.
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
Sounds delicious! I think your pics are fine 🙂
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
This burger looks so delicious! I'm am no good at food styling either (although I think you are better than you say). I'm usually in a hurry because I'm ready to eat and the sun is almost down! I keep saying I'm going to check out YumGoggle since you mentioned it a couple weeks ago but haven't had a chance. Thanks for letting us know about it!
Lisa- The Domestic Life Stylist says
Well call me crazy but I think that your final shots are great! I am working at getting better at my photos also. It is so much work but I love it. 😉
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
haha.. I am so with you on martha stewart budget. I mean its cute, but I don't have that kind of money. I have maybe 4-5 pieces for photos and thats it. You burgers look awesome and make me hungry for burgers!!! Thanks for sharing at Show Stopper Saturday Lisa! 🙂
Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com/ says
This makes me soo hungry!! Im gonna hafta give this recipe a try!! Thanks for sharing on DIY Sunday Showcase!
Shelly @MinettesMaze
Beth at Structure in an Unstructured Life says
These look like my kinda burgers! Yummm!! And I think your pics are great!
Stopping by from In and Out of the Kitchen party!
Aimee @ See Aimee Cook says
I think your photos are great! I'm definitely giving these burgers a try soon. I can't snap decent pictures of pasta to save my life! They always look incredibly unappealing 🙁 I, too, am dreading the shorter days soon because the lighting becomes a nightmare to deal with. The things we do to make food look good haha.
{I gave up on Foodgawker and Tastespotting - I have jumped on Yumgoggle, too, instead!}
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
These photos are great, Lisa! You should definitely submit one to FG! I like how you styled the first one. See, you have props. And they look great!
For me, I like to style my photos with props. But I've found that you can usually get stuff pretty cheap if you hit sales, Homegoods, Ross, Target, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I have been hitting up Pier 1 as well and both times I spent less than $50! You don't have to get stuff all at once. Build your collection slowly. 🙂
Alyssa says
Lisa, I know what you mean about food styling. I always have such a problem. I think your photos are fantastic and that they are styled great! One thing that I have found really helpful is to look at Food Gawker and other photo sites before I go to take pictures so I have an idea how other people have styled their pictures. This has really helped give me ideas for food styling.
I think that these burgers look fantastic though and your pictures make me want to grab one and eat it!
Kayla says
Wow! This looks SO good.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Mmmm....this looks and sounds fabulous, Lisa! And your photos look great, girl!
Hold the Office says
I think the photo looks delicious and I can't wait to try this burger. What is a whiskey glaze?
Nicole
HoldtheOffice.com
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
These burgers look incredibly mouthwatering! My husband does the burgers in our house, I will have to tell him to make this! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #27!
~Amber @ DessertNowDinnerLater.com