Awesome Little Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Baby Bam
• or 2 teaspoons Emerils Original Essence or Creole Seasoning, recipe follows", "1/2 teaspoon salt", "1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper", "1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil", "3/4 cup minced yellow onions", "12 to 15 small square dinner rolls", "American cheese slices, optional topping", "Yellow mustard, optional topping", "Ketchup, optional topping", "Pickle relish, optional topping", "Sliced pickles, optional topping", "Shredded iceberg lettuce, optional topping", "Tomato slices, optional topping

Instructions

1. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or waxed paper and set aside.
2. Place the meat in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the Baby Bam, salt, and pepper, and mix with your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Form the meat into small, thin, square patties, 2 1/2 to 3 inches square, using 3 to 4 tablespoons of meat for each.
5. Place on the baking sheet as they are formed.
6. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add the oil and when hot, add the minced onions, and cook, stirring, until just fragrant.
8. Remove from heat.
9. Preheat flat side of cast iron griddle.
10. Coat lightly with oil.
11. Place meat patties on hot griddle and cook for about 4 minutes.
12. Using a spatula, turn the burgers over and place 1 tablespoon cooked onions on top of each patty.
13. Place the top buns on the patties and cook on the second side for 2 to 3 minutes.
14. (If desired, place the cheese on the patties before topping with the buns.)
15. Arrange the bottom buns on a large platter.
16. Top with desired condiments.
17. Slide the burgers with their onions onto the bottom buns.
18. Serve hot.
19. Here's something to season your foods, like the grown-ups do with Emeril's Original Essence.
20. Add another dimension by sprinkling it into everything, from soups and sauces to pizza and hamburger patties.
21. You fearless bammers out there can kick this up a notch by adding cayenne, to taste.
22. (I'd start with about 1/4 teaspoon, and then take it from there.)
23. 3 tablespoons paprika
24. 2 tablespoons salt
25. 2 tablespoons dried parsley
26. 2 teaspoons onion powder
27. 2 teaspoons garlic powder
28. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
29. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
30. 1 teaspoon dried basil
31. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
32. 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
33. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well to combine with a wooden spoon.
34. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
35. Yield: about 3/4 cup