The word meat comes from the Old English word mete, which referred to food in general. Mad in Danish, and mat in Swedish and Norwegian, still mean food. The narrower sense, referring exclusively to animal flesh, developed over the past few hundred years. Until recently, the term meaty was often used to refer to any food of a "meaty" consistency – the meat of an artichoke, for example. This usage is mostly obscure today, but the word can still be used to imply reference to the most essential or substantial part of something (e.g., "the real meat of the government's policies...").[citation needed]

Meaty also shares some of the sexual connotations that flesh carries, and can be used to refer to the human body, often in a way that is considered vulgar or demeaning, as in the phrase meat market, which, in addition to simply denoting a market where meat is sold, can also be a slang phrase referring to a place or situation where humans are treated or viewed as commodities, especially a place where one looks for a casual encounter. This connotation has also existed for at least 500 years.[cit

Meat is prepared in many ways, as steaks, in stews, fondue, or as dried meat. It may be ground then formed into patties (as burgers or croquettes), loaves, or sausages, or used in loose form (as in "sloppy joe" or Bolognese sauce). Some meats are cured, by smoking, pickling, preserving in salt or brine (see salted meat and curing). Others are marinated and barbecued, or simply boiled, roasted, or fried. Meat is generally eaten cooked, but there are many traditional recipes that call for raw beef, veal or fish. Meat is often spiced or seasoned, as in most sausages. Meat dishes are usually described by their source (animal and part of body) and method of preparation.

Meat is a typical base for making sandwiches. Popular sandwich meats include ham, pork, salami and other sausages, and beef, such as steak, roast beef, corned beef, and pastrami. Meat can also be molded or pressed (common for products that include offal, such as haggis and scrapple) and canned.

Tomato juice gives these burgers more moisture, and they taste great!

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck or ground round
3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
2 tablespoons tomato juice
seasoned salt and pepper
sliced tomatoes, optional
sliced pickles, optional
sliced onion, optional
lettuce, optional
condiments, as desired

PREPARATION:
Prepare a grill for high heat.
Combine the beef with bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, garlic powder, and tomato juice. Shape the meat into 4 to 5 large patties. Sprinkle both sides of burgers lightly with seasoned salt and pepper.

Put burgers on a lightly oiled grill over the prepared coals and grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until done as desired. Serve on split toasted buns with your choice of sliced vegetables and condiments.

Serves 4 to 5.

Recipe submitted by Jim Catanich