Batteries Not Included, 1987

For some reason I had burr in my bonnet to watch Batteries Not Included. This 1987 movie starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn takes place on a run down block somewhere in New York City. Tandy (Faye) and Cronyn (Frank) are an aging couple dealing with dementia, neighborhood thugs, a struggling diner, and a big-wig exec who is trying to run them out of their tenement so he can demolish and build high rises where the building stands.

I love the opening credits of this film. You're shown the history of the neighborhood. Sepia toned photos run through a 1930's, 40's, 50's busy family oriented neighborhood of apartment building. The crowning glory begin this diner style restautrant, Riley's. The talented James Horner, (Swing Kids (93), Something Wicked This Way Comes (83), Glory (89), and a slew of other tremendously impactful films (most notably Honey, I shrunk the Kids...um yeah)) takes the reigns for the soundtrack. We are, in a momemt on this city block by way of nostalgic imagery and the playfully smooth big band compostion in this film.

The Diner plays a supporting role in this film, and we come to our decided meal for this flick when one of our "visiting friends" mistakenly serves up one of his own as a well-done burger with cheese. There is no denying a damn fine, griddle fried burger.

*Coca-cola in a bottle for good measure.

Ingredients
Serves 4
(I recommend having a group of just a few friends over for this one. You'll all be smiling after it's all said and done.)

1 pound ground beef chuck (20 percent fat)
4 teaspoons softened butter
4 hamburger buns, split
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 green onions
4 slices melting cheese, such as American or mild cheddar (american would be most appropriate here I think)
Toppings, shredded iceberg lettuce, pickle chips, thinly sliced red onion, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise

Directions
1.Heat broiler. Chop green onions and mash into beef. Divide beef into 4 rounds and place each between two layers of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, roll beef into 1/4-inch-thick patties. Butter inside of each bun. Place on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and toast under broiler.

2.Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high. Generously season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook burgers 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and top each with cheese; cover and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Place burgers on buns and serve with desired toppings.

*recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart with accents by Ouisa