What I am Thankful for?

What am I (Wendell) thankful for? Let me begin by introducing this guy:

J. Wellington Wimpy

If you know of or have seen the old Popeye cartoons, then you may know J. Wellington Wimpy. Wimpy, as he is usually known, is a lover of hamburgers. And that is what I have in common with Wimpy. I love hamburgers. Homemade, White Castle, Wendy's, Rally's, McDonald's, Burger King, Smashburger, 5 Guys, you name it, they have a burger that I love. To celebrate the burger, here are some resources to help you learn about this "American creation on which I feed!"*

*Thanks to Jimmy Buffet, "Cheeseburger in Paradise".

The Hamburger: a History by Josh Ozersky.

Beginning in the nineteenth century and going to our own era, this book recounts how the German “Hamburg steak” evolved into hamburgers for the rising class of urban factory workers and how the innovations of the White Castle System and the McDonald’s Corporation turned the burger into an American icon. The hamburger played an important role in America’s transformation into a mobile, suburban culture, and is a huge cultural force.  (adapted from the publisher's description)  This book is available in the library, call number 641.84 O99.

Hamburger America: One Man's Cross-Country Odyssey to find the Best Burgers in the Nation by George Motz

Whether you're a serious hamburger connoisseur or a curious adventurer up for a road trip, Hamburger America will be your guide to discovering this piece of Americana. With possible exception of the hot dog, no other food says "America" like the hamburger. Motz has traveled across the USA in search of our nation's best burger joints, and he documents their histories and one-of-a-kind tastes. Eight of these places found their way into a documentary that accompanies the book. (adapted from the publisher's description) This book is available in the library, call number 641.662 M923h.

Finally, if you would like to make your own burger creations, you may take inspiration from this book: Wicked Good Burgers: Fearless recipes and Uncompromising Techniques for the Ultimate Patty by Andy Husbands.

Making a decent burger is pretty easy, but when making a "wicked good" burger, the kind of burger that hits the sweet spot you need guidance from an expert. In Wicked Good Burgers, award-winning chefs Andy Husbands and Chris Hart reveal their secrets for mouthwatering burgers, including techniques for grinding your own meat and cooking it to juicy perfection, as well as recipes for killer toppings, side dishes, and burger accompaniments. With their trademark fearless approach, Husbands and Hart bring excitement and edge to all things between the bun. (adapted from the publisher's description) This book is available in the library, call number 641.84 H968w.