What's more American than a good ol' juicy burger? Ok, yes, maybe apple pie. But when you think of summertime food and barbeques and parties, whether at the pool, lake, beach or home, the hamburger reigns King. When invited to parties I always offer to bring something whether a side, salad, dessert or even a signature beverage. If we are invited to family events I like to bring something that everyone - both adults and children - will enjoy. Although I made these initially with children in mind, the sight of these cookies brings a smile to everyone's face.

To make these even more Patriotic simply add an American flag toothpick to the centers. These couldn't be easier to make, but do require a little time for assembly. Pinched for time? Older children and teens can help assemble these.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Miniature Hamburger Cookies

Makes 20-24 cookies. For more double recipe.
Ingredients:
Sesame seeds
1 box Nilla wafers 
1 Keebler Grasshopper cookies, or Girl Scout Thin Mints
1 container of frosting, or 2 cups homemade
Food coloring, red, yellow, green 
1 cup Shredded coconut

Directions
1. In a  plastic bag add about 1 cup of shredded coconut and green food coloring, shake vigorously until you get the color you desire to resemble shredded lettuce. 
2. In a small bowl add a couple of drops of red and yellow food coloring and the frosting. Stir together until you reach the color of "special sauce." The goal is to get a pastel orange like color.
3. Take one Nilla wafer, apply a small amount of frosting to the flat side to be used as glue then place the mint cookie on the Nilla wafer. Add another small amount of frosting to the top of the mint cookie and top that with "lettuce'. On top of the lettuce add a a generous amount of "special sauce." Take another Nilla Wafer and place on top, flat side down.
4. To get the sesame seeds to stick on to the bun, use an egg wash. Apply egg wash on to the Nilla wafer then add sesame seeds and voila!
To make an egg wash use egg white, and 1 tsp of water. Mix well.
Brush the egg wash on to the top Nilla wafer, then add a few sesame seeds. Let harden a few minutes. 
and brush on to surface.