The Highlander

Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Arts and Culture

Media Credit: Brett Stakelin, Photography Editor

As spring break quickly approaches, I would like to take a look at a cost cutting alternative to dropping a good 'ole Hamilton and a half on a lousy sandwich. (That's $15 for the disinclined in monetary presidential knowledge.) My guess is that many folks will be hitting the slopes over the break, and costs add up, especially with the country's current economic status. So here's an easy way to stay full while going easy on your wallet.

Packing one's own lunch might sound lame--that is if you are thinking of a smooshed PB&J sitting in the bottom of your pack. But for those with more sophisticated tastes, let's make some real food.

Vail Ski Resort graciously offers the use of two large grills atop their Blue Sky Basin area. (And you thought the jacked up lift price was just for skiing.) Just to point out, these grills have no catch, no hidden fees. Yes, they are free.

So what to do with a nice hot grill? Cook on it. A nice poundage or two of ground beef will usually run a couple dollars, and can feed you and your posse of gnar shredding bros.

Pick up some cheap buns, cheese (cheddar slices are delicious) and some barbecue sauce. The sauce is optional, but you'll look like a sophisticated high-class cuisine-meister when you crack open that bottle of gourmet BBQ sauce.

Another tip: It's best to distribute the goods between people in the group. Putting the beef in a plastic bag might be a good idea too. Who wants raw beef juice spilling all over their pack after a mid morning tumble down the steeps? I sure don't.

When you get to the camp, open up the beef and make some patties and lay those suckers on the flame and watch them cook to perfection. I have found that after flipping the burger once, coat the other side in BBQ to let the flavor cook in, and then add some more afterwards if you want. And always let the cheese melt; it'll get all over your hands. But chomping down on all that cheesy deliciousness will be worth it. And you know it. Also, at this point, you should really try your best to fend off the old men who are eating their pre-wrapped sandwiches from inside the hut and are jealous of your mastery of the grill.

The entire cost of this meal might just equal the cost of that fancy pre-wrapped sandwich and a cookie, but split the cost between your friends (or hungry onlookers), and you have yourself a stellar deal.

For the cost cutting and tasty homemade goodness, this ski meal definitely tips the scales with 4 star rating.



Shy Guy's Homemade BBQ Burgers

1 lb. ground beef
Cheese slices (Cheddar is good.)
A dozen burger buns
BBQ sauce (Your choice.)
Salt & pepper (Optional, to taste.)

1. Form ground beef into patties using hands or a mold: Grab a tennis ball-sized piece of beef and flatten it into a patty. Be sure the patty is the same thickness on the edges as it is in the middle. Each patty should be about 3/4 inch thick. To account for shrinkage during cooking, make the patties at least 1/2-inch larger in diameter than the buns you'll be putting them on.

2. After first flip, coat other side with bbq sauce.

3. Place cheese slices on top and let melt.

4. Place burgers on bun (toast on grill too, if desired). Enjoy!

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