The Lady's Brunch Burger (Oh Paula...)

Every once in a while, you come across a recipe that makes you go "Huh??" This is one of them.

I was talking to a friend the other day and she mentioned this heart attack on a plate: a burger served between two doughnuts. For breakfast. I thought she was kidding. Out of curiosity, I did a search for it. Apparently, it was aired on a Paula Deen "Paula's Home Cooking" episode last year (so for some of you, this may be old news...) Paula's recipes are great sometimes; they are definitely satisfying and home-y. But occasionally I wonder if some of the recipes are included for entertainment value. This is certainly one of them.

Imagine, you wake up and head to the kitchen to whip up something for brunch. What are you in the mood to have? How about a beef burger, loaded up with bacon and a fried egg, served between two glazed doughnuts. Mmmm.

(No, I didn't make this. I don't fancy consuming an entire day's calories in one sitting. Granted, the recipe does also suggest using English muffins or burger buns...but where's the fun in that??)

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present "The Lady's Brunch Burger"

• 1 1/2 pounds beef
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons grated onion
• House Seasoning, recipe follows
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 eggs
• 6 slices bacon, cooked
• 3 hamburger buns
• 3 English muffins
• 6 glazed donuts

Mix the ground beef, chopped parsley and grated onion together in a large mixing bowl. Season liberally, with House Seasoning. Form 3 hamburger patties.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the burgers and cook until desired temperature, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Fry bacon in a hot pan until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

While burgers are cooking, heat a non-stick pan, over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Crack 3 eggs into the pan. Cook until the yolks are just set and still slightly runny and remove.

Place burger patties on English muffins or buns, and if desired, on glazed donuts, as the buns. Top each burger with 2 pieces of bacon and a fried egg.

House Seasoning

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Recipe and image source: Food Network