Recipe: Double-Decker Cheeseburgers (make ahead)

DOUBLE-DECKER CHEESEBURGERS

"Nothing says "summer" like a cheeseburger. Our double-decker recipe is a homemade version of a fast-food classic. Prep the patties the night before."

3 lbs 90% lean ground beef
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
FOR SERVING:
12 plain hamburger buns
16 slices American cheese
3/4 cup thousand island dressing
Lettuce, onion, and tomato slices (optional)

Put beef, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl; combine thoroughly. Divide mixture into 16 portions; form each into a ball. Place each ball on a sheet of plastic wrap and press flat into a very thin patty, about 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Wrap each patty in plastic and freeze for at least 4 and up to 24 hours.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Unwrap patties and grill them, about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through (they should read 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer).

TO ASSEMBLE BURGERS:
Top eight bun bottoms each with a beef patty, slice of cheese, dressing, and another bun top or bottom. Top with eight remaining patties, then cheese, dressing, and finish off with bun tops.

Garnish with lettuce, onion, and tomato, if desired. Serve kids half a burger each.

HOW KIDS CAN HELP:
Measure ingredients; count out cheese slices and buns; garnish burgers.

Source: Maile Carpenter; Parenting magazine, July 1, 2005