From Our Kitchen: Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day this year, we decided to replicate a burger from Kuma's Corner that we didn't get to try while in Chicago last month. If you forgot how amazing these burgers were, that post is here.

Anyway, before I get to that, let me tell you that when I got home from work that day, Jay greeted me at the door & led me to a drawn bath. I soaked in a bathroom adorned with candles while Jay prepped the meal. And, to top that off, he came in & gave me a foot scrub/massage in between chopping & sautéing!
I know - I am one lucky girl :)

After the bath, I joined Jay in the kitchen to help prepare our delicious meal. We decided to replicate the burger called "Lair of the Minotaur" from the menu here. He started by cooking up some pancetta in the cast iron pan.

Then the burgers were seasoned & ready for the grill:

One of the key ingredients to a meal at Kuma's is their delicious homemade ketchup! Jay found the secret ingredient - Gardiniera - at our local Italian deli & I helped mix up a batch!

The burgers were topped with the crispy pancetta, pears cooked in bourbon, caramelized onions & brie. We used challah bread for the bun. 

I think it looks just as delicious as Kuma's and we didn't have to wait for a table!

And the taste? Can't be beat. It was drip down your arm delicious! 

Thanks honey for a very special Valentine's Day!