The other day we found ourselves needing to make a Big Mac from scratch. It happens. To help others who find themselves in this predicament, we documented the process (a part of our continuing service to the community). This is the way we made a decent facsimile of a Big Mac. It's not definitive but it's easy and tastes pretty great.

Requirements for one burger:

• 2 sesame seed hamburger buns • ¼ pound ground beef • 1 slice of that really yellow cheese • 2 tablespoons Kraft Thousand Island dressing (or to taste) • a small handful of shredded iceberg lettuce • 10 dill pickle slices (or to taste) • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (or to taste) • salt and freshly ground pepper

To make:

• Divide the ground beef in half and shape into two thin patties approximately the diameter of your buns. Season with salt and pepper. Grill patties on a barbecue or fry in a frying pan until cooked through.

• Divide both hamburger buns, discard top of second bun, and toast the insides of the bun on the grill or in the frying pan. Toast both sides of the bottom half of the second bun (this will be the middle of the hamburger).