The George Herter recipe experience begins.

His “Belgian burgers” looked easy, so I started with that. And how could I resist this promise:

This is one of those rare recipes that produces food entirely different than anything you have ever eaten, yet is simple to make and requires no fancy ingredients.

Herter says this recipe was “invented” by his wife, Berthe, a Belgian. Since his Bull Cook and Authentic Historical Recipes and Practices has all sorts of odd claims, this might be one of them. Who knows? That is the fascinating mystery of George Herter.

Here’s what you do: Lightly butter the bun, and put ketchup and mustard on it. Place a raw beef pattie on the bottom half of the bun, and top with whatever you like — seasoning, pickles, onions, bacon, etc. Place the top of the bun over it. Put in a 400-degree oven, either wrapped in tin foil or in a covered dish. Bake for 45 minutes. If you’d like some cheese on it, put that on the burger with about 5 minutes left to bake.

More from George:

The butter, hamburger juice, onion juice and pickle juice, baked catsup and mustard blend into a taste you would not recognize. A very wonderful recipe, be sure to try it.

I thought it was very good! I have never thought to bake a hamburger in the oven — weird, but effective! Other members of the household said it was “juicy, tasteful, and delicious!”