Hamburgers With Cream Sauce Julia Child Recipes

Steps:

• In a small saute pan, over high heat, saute the shallots in the butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Divide the meat into 4 portions. One at a time, flatten each by chopping and spreading the meat with light strokes of your chefs knife. Season each with salt, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the shallots. Blend into the meat, chopping and turning it as you shape the portions into 4 1/2 to 5-inch round patties, 1/4-inch thick. Toast the hamburger buns and distribute them to your guests. Suggest that they dress the bottom halves of their rolls as they wish while you cook the burgers. Lightly dust the surface of a large, hot saute pan, with salt. When the pan is very hot, but not smoking, lay a patty in the pan. Rapidly add a second burger. Brown the meat, about 20 seconds. Turn patties to other side. Cook until done, about 1 minute. Remove cooked burgers to a warm platter. Repeat process with 2 remaining burgers. Place finished burgers onto guests buns as quickly as possible so they can add their finishing touches.

Steps:

• Cook the onions slowly in butter for about 10 minutes or until very soft but not browned. Place in mixing bowl and add beef, softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme and egg. Blend thoroughly and form into patties.
• Roll patties in flour and shake off excess. Heat butter and oil over moderately high heat. When the foam has begun to subside, it is hot enough to add the patties.
• Add patties in single layer and sauté for 3 minutes or per side depending on how well done you want them. Move them to serving platters and keep warm.
• For sauce: pour the fat off of the skillet and add the stock. Boil it down rapidly, scraping up the bits from the pan, until almost a syrup consistency. Add the cream and boil it down for a minute or two until reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over the burgers.