Stupid question - shredded lettuce

"Larry G" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I haven't
looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a restaurant and it
seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded lettuce
on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes kinda flat, bland,
limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants, it's weird.

And, those pre-made beef patties just tastes blah, not at all like the
restaurants, yet, at least at the fast food places, they seem to use pre-made
patties. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, thanks in advance,

Larry

Purchase DOLE Shredded Iceberg Lettuce stored in the refrigerated area of the
supermarket's produce section. If salads are not kept under refrigeration, it
will affect the product quality.

On the front of each package, the salad is stamped with a "Best if Used by Date"
that should give you at least a few days to store after purchased. The salad is
packaged in a see-through bag. When purchasing a salad, check the date stamped
on the package and look at the salad to make sure it appears fresh. Do not
purchase salads with a considerable number of brown-edged lettuce pieces or if
the lettuce appears excessively wet.

How to Store
DOLE Shredded Iceberg Lettuce should be kept refrigerated at home in its
original bag. The bag is made of specially designed film to keep the salad
fresh. Store the salad in the refrigerator crisper or drawer. Store leftovers in
the original bag, tightly closed, in the refrigerator.

Usage Tips
DOLE Shredded Iceberg Lettuce is washed and ready-to-eat. As a result, it is not
necessary to wash the salad prior to eating. Nevertheless, rinsing your salad
again will not damage the lettuce in any way.

Shredded lettuce is a great product to use when preparing tacos or fajitas and
serve on sandwiches or in wraps.

And

The shredded lettuce in a greasy spoon burger joint is generally made on the
premises. The slicing shredding process will cause the lettuce to brown in a
very short period of time unless treated. One trick often used but unnoticed is
some of the places will mix a small amount of onion shredded to the same size.

Dimitri

"Larry G" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded
lettuce on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes kinda
flat, bland, limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants, it's weird.

And, those pre-made beef patties just tastes blah, not at all like the
restaurants, yet, at least at the fast food places, they seem to use
pre-made patties. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, thanks in advance,

Larry

Like which restaurant? In my experience the only places that use shredded
lettuce are the low-end joints like McDonalds and Wendys. Do you really want
to duplicate that [censored] at home? The beauty of making a burger at home is
that you can rise above the restaurants. Of course there are some places
that make a great burger, so you should be happy just to equal them!

Why not just get a head of iceburg lettuce and break off a few leaves for
each burger? It will be crisper and tastier than any shredded lettuce!

--
Peter Aitken
Visit my recipe and kitchen myths page at www.pgacon.com/cooking.htm

In article <[email hidden]>, "Larry G"

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store?

Yes. Might depend on the store but I've seen it here (Mpls) and at
Sam's (two ays ago).
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 5/8/05.
"Are we going to measure, or are we going to cook?" -Food Critic Mimi Sheraton

Larry G said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I'm begging the question, and I'm really not trying to be an
ass...but....why would you want to? What the matter with a "LarryBurger"?

Bubba

--
You wanna measure, or you wanna cook?

"Larry G" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded
lettuce on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes kinda
flat, bland, limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants, it's weird.

And, those pre-made beef patties just tastes blah, not at all like the
restaurants, yet, at least at the fast food places, they seem to use
pre-made patties. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, thanks in advance,

Larry

OK...I've been working in the garden, no dinner yet, and 2 beers, so pardon
my manners, but....are you f..king kidding? Go to this link right now:
http://www.wusthof.com/main.htm

Look at the knives labeled as "cook's knives". That's a knife you can do
almost anything with. Do you have one? What's the last year you sharpened
it? Put the point of the knife on the cutting board and keep it there. Move
the handle up and down as if the point had a hinge attached. Voila. Shredded
lettuce. This assumes the knife is sharp.

You don't wanna buy bagged, shredded lettuce unless you plan on using it
quickly. Shredded means more exposed surface area and faster spoilage. If
this doesn't matter, knock yourself out. But, you can buy romaine lettuce,
cut off the bottom (white-ish) part, shred that, and you'll have much
tastier lettuce than iceberg. Use the top for salad.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Peter Aitken said:

"Larry G" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded
lettuce on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes kinda
flat, bland, limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants, it's weird.

And, those pre-made beef patties just tastes blah, not at all like the
restaurants, yet, at least at the fast food places, they seem to use
pre-made patties. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, thanks in advance,

Larry

Like which restaurant? In my experience the only places that use shredded
lettuce are the low-end joints like McDonalds and Wendys. Do you really want
to duplicate that [censored] at home? The beauty of making a burger at home is
that you can rise above the restaurants. Of course there are some places
that make a great burger, so you should be happy just to equal them!

Why not just get a head of iceburg lettuce and break off a few leaves for
each burger? It will be crisper and tastier than any shredded lettuce!

I use red leaf lettuce...

and REAL cheddar cheese! ;-)

Man, been _ages_ since I had a real burger with bread!
I do lettuce wraps instead.
--
K.

Sprout the MungBean to reply

"I don't like to commit myself about heaven and hell‹you
see, I have friends in both places." --Mark Twain

Larry G said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I haven't
looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a restaurant and it
seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded
lettuce on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes kinda
flat, bland, limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants, it's weird.

Why can't you shred lettuce... sharp knife does it easy. If your
lettuce is limp it's probably too warm... refresh shredded lettuce by
soaking for a few minutes in a bowl of ice water, then drain and wrap
shreds in a clean towel to dry for a few minutes in the fridge.

Sheldon

Most large volume restaurants and fast food places use a lettuce
cutter. It looks like a french fry cutter, only with a larger grid to
accomodate a whole head of lettuce.
The lettuce is put in, the handle pulled, and the cut lettuce is dumped
into a bowl of ice-water containing either vinegar or lemon juice to
prevent discoloring.

Most large volume restaurants and fast food places use a lettuce
cutter. It looks like a french fry cutter, only with a larger grid to
accomodate a whole head of lettuce.
The lettuce is put in, the handle pulled, and the cut lettuce is dumped
into a bowl of ice-water containing either vinegar or lemon juice to
prevent discoloring.

Larry G said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I'm not sure if you're indirectly asking *how* to shred lettuce but in
case you are, just take a good long sharp knife and cut the head in
half, lay one half on it's flat end and start cutting long 1/2 inch
slices through it as if you were cutting an onion. Perfectly shredded
lettuce... Takes less than a minute. If you want finer lettuce, cut
thinner slices.

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store?

Must not be a demand for it in my Stupidmarkets. I can get shredded
carrots, shredded cabbages....but I've never seen shredded lettuce.
Then again, I'd do it myself if I needed it. Not a big fan of
it...Iceberg makes me belch. .;-)

Food For Thought said:

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store?

Must not be a demand for it in my Stupidmarkets. I can get shredded
carrots, shredded cabbages....but I've never seen shredded lettuce.
Then again, I'd do it myself if I needed it. Not a big fan of
it...Iceberg makes me belch. .;-)

If you shred lettuce ahead of time the edges turn brown. Not very
appetizing.

"Larry G" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of restaurants put shredded
lettuce on their burgers. It seems like when I do it, mine tastes
kinda flat, bland, limpy, instead of crisp like in the restaurants,
it's weird.

And, those pre-made beef patties just tastes blah, not at all like the
restaurants, yet, at least at the fast food places, they seem to use
pre-made patties. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Anyway, thanks in advance,

Larry

Okay, are you making patties or salad? The shredded lettuce should be in
the produce section. If you want awesome burgers, buy some steak and grind
it. I do not do this often but fresh ground is terrific. I use chuck steak.

Michael

Melba's Jammin' <[email hidden]> wrote in news:thisisbogus-
[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, "Larry G"

Quoted message said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store?

Yes. Might depend on the store but I've seen it here (Mpls) and at
Sam's (two ays ago).

We have a Sam's here also. Giant bags... Party time <g>

Michael <- likes Sam's and TJ's hell... I like 'em all

"Son Volt" <[email hidden]> wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I'm not sure if you're indirectly asking *how* to shred lettuce but in
case you are, just take a good long sharp knife and cut the head in half,
lay one half on it's flat end and start cutting long 1/2 inch slices
through it as if you were cutting an onion. Perfectly shredded lettuce...
Takes less than a minute. If you want finer lettuce, cut thinner slices.

Well, I mean it's not like "I have a friend, and he needs to buy shredded
lettuce" <grin>. If I wanted to ask, I'd ask directly, but yeah, I'll
definitely take any hints/suggestions, yeah. 🙂 Honestly, though, if I can
save a few minutes by buying it pre-shredded, why not.

But thanks to you and everyone who gave suggestions and advice. Will take it
to heart and look into it. 🙂

Larry

"Bubba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I'm begging the question, and I'm really not trying to be an
ass...but....why would you want to? What the matter with a "LarryBurger"?

You're not an ass. What I'm trying to replicate are the burgers that are
served at a local non-chain burger joint. You know the type of place where
it looks like it should be condemned by the health department, but the food
is so damn good? That's the kind.

This local place makes the best grilled burgers, for a buck 59. Great deal.
They put a 1000 island, shredded lettuce mixed with onions mix, beef patty,
pickle and it tastes great!

But, whenever I try, I just cannot get it. The pre-made beef patty (which is
apparently what the local joint makes it with) just doesn't turn out as good
and the salad is bland. But I do fry the patty. I'm really not sure if
grilling makes a huge difference, maybe that's the secret. Perhaps
frying/grilling with Worstershire sauce? Haven't tried that yet, though I've
got some sitting in the cupboard.

I'd also love to mimic a Wendy's burger or a Burger King Whopper or a Carl's
Jr $6 or Denny's burger. I don't know these places do, but I can never get
my own burgers to taste anywhere close.

Now if I make a basic ground beef patty I make myself from scratch, mayo,
mustard, ketchup, and a pickle, it tastes just fine. I just can't mimic a
restaurant quality burger, and it bugs me.

Larry

Larry G said:

"Bubba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

I'm begging the question, and I'm really not trying to be an
ass...but....why would you want to? What the matter with a
"LarryBurger"?

You're not an ass. What I'm trying to replicate are the burgers that
are served at a local non-chain burger joint. You know the type of
place where it looks like it should be condemned by the health
department, but the food is so damn good? That's the kind.

This local place makes the best grilled burgers, for a buck 59. Great
deal. They put a 1000 island, shredded lettuce mixed with onions mix,
beef patty, pickle and it tastes great!

But, whenever I try, I just cannot get it. The pre-made beef patty
(which is apparently what the local joint makes it with) just doesn't
turn out as good and the salad is bland. But I do fry the patty. I'm
really not sure if grilling makes a huge difference, maybe that's the
secret. Perhaps frying/grilling with Worstershire sauce? Haven't tried
that yet, though I've got some sitting in the cupboard.

I'd also love to mimic a Wendy's burger or a Burger King Whopper or a
Carl's Jr $6 or Denny's burger. I don't know these places do, but I
can never get my own burgers to taste anywhere close.

Now if I make a basic ground beef patty I make myself from scratch,
mayo, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle, it tastes just fine. I just
can't mimic a restaurant quality burger, and it bugs me.

Larry

LOL! I know the kind of place you're talking about and have eaten some
pretty good burgers from those places.
I would think grilling would make a big difference...as would
Worchestershire. Could have MSG on it, too.
Have you asked the cook/owner?
Also, there are some cookbooks out that mimic some of the better known
foods from chains, etc. Your Mom- and- Pop place probably won't be in
there, but one of the recipes might be close enough that you could take
it the rest of the way.

Good luck!

Bubba

--
You wanna measure, or you wanna cook?

Peter Aitken said:

Like which restaurant? In my experience the only places that use shredded
lettuce are the low-end joints like McDonalds and Wendys. Do you really want
to duplicate that [censored] at home? The beauty of making a burger at home is
that you can rise above the restaurants. Of course there are some places
that make a great burger, so you should be happy just to equal them!

Have you been to Carl's Jr. or Hardees lately? The hamburger Gods have
blessed them and they are now churning out the best burgers on the
planet...for real!

Bill

Bubba said:

Larry G said:

Can you buy already shredded lettuce at the grocery store? I admit I
haven't looked carefully. I'm trying to make a hamburger like at a
restaurant and it seems no matter what I do, I can't get it close.

I'm begging the question, and I'm really not trying to be an
ass...but....why would you want to? What the matter with a "LarryBurger"?

Bubba

--

it's interesting you ask that question! I used to frequent a
particular steak house that made the tossed salads in a way that
required the shredding of the lettuce. Somehow the shredded lettuce
picks up the flavors of the salad dressing and other components of the
salad to give it a special taste in your mouth. Try it you'll like it!

Bill