Symon Sundays: Lola Burgers with Spicy Ketchup, Fried Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts

This week's Symon Sundays recipes were chosen by Gia of A Life in Progress. Check her blog in the next few days for the recipes, or check out Joanne or Natashya's blogs as they have both and posted the recipes and have wonderful descriptions and adaptations!

First up was the Lola Burger with Spicy Ketchup. This recipe actually had a few components. First was the pickled onions, then the spicy ketchup, and finally the actual burger. Chef Symon suggests serving it on a toasted English Muffin, but I made sliders and used multigrain bread.

I absolutely loved the picked onions on the burger. I think that was probably my favorite part. They were tangy, a little spicy, and sweet. The spicy ketchup was JJ's favorite part, he usually mixes his ketchup with hot sauce, but this took it to another flavor level. The burgers themselves were just simply seasoned with salt and pepper, so it didn't overshadow the delicious accompniaments. These burgers were decadent, and absolutely delicious!

For the Fried Brussels Sprouts, Chef Symon offers an alternative to the walnut/anchovy/capers combination, and takes on an Asian flavor profile. I decided to make this alternative, which included fresh grated ginger root. Though these were tasty, I'm not a big fan of fried food, and could only eat a few bites. However, I think if I let the Brussels go a bit longer, I would have enjoyed them more because I liked the crispy bits. I was a little worried about burning them!

Natashya's beatiful burger and sprouts!

Joanne's big bite of her burger and sprouts!