Hamburgers in a Hurry

“Simple meals, made with calm — even on busy days.”

It was nearing the end of the week. The weather was sunny and warm, the sky a clear blue. I was working at my desk in the living room while my partner was in his office. I’d been so happily immersed in my projects that I lost track of time — unusual for me.

It was already one o’clock in the afternoon, and I hadn’t even started lunch.

My partner came into the living room and asked, “Where’s lunch?”He caught me off guard.“I’m sorry, babe! I haven’t even started yet,” I replied.“Well, I’m hungry,” he said with a grin.

I sprang into action and headed to the kitchen. Luckily, he isn’t too regimented about meal times and doesn’t mind eating later. I asked what he’d like, suggested a few quick options, and he chose hamburgers with bacon and salad.

The circumstances weren’t ideal — I was pressed for time — but I decided to take it one step at a time and make it work.

The Rush Begins

First, I fried the bacon. Soon, the little kitchen was filled with that unmistakable, comforting aroma. When the strips turned crisp but still a little moist, I laid them on paper towel to drain. I turned on the oven to toast the hamburger buns.

Next, I prepared the hamburger patties. Luckily, I’d taken out ground beef the night before. I placed it in a bowl and seasoned it with salt, pepper, and steak spice. To save time, I made the patties smaller and thinner than usual.

The oven warmed the apartment, mixing with the smell of bacon — a delicious combination.

Finding My Stride

While the patties sizzled in the pan, I melted a pat of butter in another and added chopped shallots. I could watch the onions and burgers at the same time — a small act of multitasking that made me feel capable again.

I thought briefly about using the portable barbecue but decided against it. The stove top felt simpler, calmer. Once the onions softened and began to brown, I added sliced mushrooms and flipped the patties — now a rich, dark brown.

I slid the buns into the oven to toast and brought out the leftover crunchy salad from the day before. Everything was coming together.

The apartment now smelled of hamburgers, bacon, butter, and onions — the scent of a late lunch made with care.

Serving with Care

I prepared a tray for my partner: a bottle of water, one mandarin orange, cutlery, a double-patty burger with bacon, and a bowl of crunchy salad. When I brought it to his desk, his face lit up.

Lunch was ready in under half an hour.

The rush was over. I made myself a plate and sat down to eat, savouring each salty, meaty bite. It reminded me of the kind of meal you’d get at a diner — simple, rustic, and satisfying.

After lunch, I cleaned the kitchen and stepped outside for a walk. The weather had turned even nicer. Sunshine poured through the trees as I walked by the water, letting the day slow down again.

As I made my way home, I decided that tomorrow would be different.I would manage my time better, cook with more intention, and give myself the space to savour the calm that cooking brings.