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As a huge fan of American Junk food I'm a Brit so indulge me I absolutely adore hot dogs the special kind with no meat relaimation mais bien sur) and those yummy hamburgers cut thick with real ground beef and slivers of fried onions and hot mustard relish.

Growing up we always use to watch wholesome American familes tucking into burger and fries with a yummy choclate shake . As they sat contentedly at their local diner or deli munching on their No.52 or No. 57 with slaw on the side or onion rings to go I had to wait some time before I could indulge my favourite food fantasy myself.

I discovered a healthy and virtous alternative to the staple burger fare and was delighted that I could substitute my breaded pattie for a piece of lettuce expertly wrapped around a thick juicy burger full of flavour minus the added calories.

Dessert was also an exciting affair with a minefield of different sundaes, pies , cakes and pastries to choose from . My favourtite though has to be Key Lime Pie with cream ;classic understated and scrumptious .

I think junk food in moderation is good for the soul, good for the mind and good for the heart . Who can resist a freshly grilled burger on a late summer's afternoon with all the trimmings and an ice cold soda to wash it down with.

This kind of food evokes nostaligic feelings of a carefree youth and a dying innocence that sadly isn't reflected in the mass produced burgers we get now . As the US has spread it's food habits across the globe the enormous expansion of junk food has taken away the magical essence of what was traditionaly a special treat. Now you could be anywhere and still savour that burger only it probbably wouldn't taste of easy days in the sunshine more like harried trawls on the subway!

With food changing habits showing a real decline in positive eating experiences it 's worthwhile thinking about your favourite childhood meal was and how it shapes up today in the modern mayhem of life .

Burgers and fries might not seem like a gourmet experience but if they're done properly with real potatoes cooked golden brown and lightly salted and the meat used is prime beef without fillers and bovine supplements you're tasting something akin to the golden elixir of life !
Take one mouthful at a time nice and easy and just savour the moment the lovely beef that should melt easily into the cheese (optional) and salad crunchy leaves and fresh cucumber with fine slivers of fresh onion . It tastes divine really. As for the golden fries they should be cooked until soft and tender and then slide easily into the mouth. Using real potatoes is a must of course . The piece de resistance is when you dip into a supporting sauce like cool ranch, spicy tomato or french mayonaise. It's such a dreamy eating experience.
Finally the shake should be ice cold and gorgeously thick and creamy with lashings of ice cream, cream and no substitutes . If you have milk allergies I'm afraid you're missing out a soya shake just won't cut it . Real milk and real cream is the only way to get the perfect taste sensation ratherlike choosing a good wine with a staek or fish.

Sit back and take your time eating it an old fashioned american classic you just can't beat it !

Learn more about this author, Saira Karim.
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