Dry vs Wet Measuring There's a reason why there are measuring devices designed for liquid and dry measurements but most likely not for the reason you think. Wet and dry measuring devices are exactly the same volume, the difference is in the design. Measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients are engineered to be filled to the brim so the excess can be swept off easily for an exact measurement. Liquid measuring devices have brims so you don't have to worry about spilling. So, if you are in a pinch, you can use either measuring device.
My Favorite Pan My favorite pan is a twenty dollar cast iron pan. I remember vividly how my step-father coveted his iron pan and warned us about not using soap to clean it. Seasoned and maintained properly, an iron pan can last forever. It is better than any non stick pan and far more durable. It's thick base holds heat better than any pan in my arsenal and prevents food from burning by dispersing the heat.
Caramelized onions will bump your burger up a notch with the deep roasted sweetness that comes from slow cooking. Add bacon and now you have sweet and salty harmoniously working together to heighten your burger to insane levels never achieved previously in your culinary career. Must be hard, right? Caramelized onions might take an hour or so to complete but patience is a better work describing the process.
Slicing your onions evenly ensures they are all equally caramelized. The best way to accomplish this is to cut the onion in half and then slice in wedges. Instead of slicing vertically, slice at an angle towards the center. While the onions are not exactly the same size, they are much closer than any other method. What is gone are the wide edge pieces that always look peculiar and don't cook at the same speed.
While you are perfecting your onion skills, dice the bacon and cook on medium till it is crispy. Use the same thick pan you will be using to caramelizes the onions as the oil from the bacon will be kept for flavor and prevent the onions from sticking to the pan.
Once the bacon is crispy, add the onion slices and cook. Store frequently at this temperature. After 10 minutes, turn the temperature to low and add salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for approximately an hour until the onions are a deep golden to dark brown, depending on the level caramelization you desire. I have chosen a nice golden brown for this recipe.
Make the onions ahead of time to create a more relaxed atmosphere in your kitchen. They will keep fine for hours unheated under a cover. You can even store them in the fridge if you want to make them the night before but I'm all about freshness so I prefer cooking them at the time they will be eaten.
Crisp the Bacon
Dice the bacon and cook till crispy on medium heat in a thick pan.
Slice Onions
Slice onion halves at an angle to create a wedges.
Cook Onions
Add onions to pan and mix with bacon frequently for 10 minutes over medium heat.
Caramelize Onions
Turn the temperature to low and add the salt, pepper and brown sugar. Continue cooking for an hour or so till level of brownness is achieved.