Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries & Shakes

In an effort to prove that he's a regular ole gourmand like the rest of us, Flay (Iron Chef, restaurateur and prolific cookbook author) makes a simple and wholly effective statement, “A cheeseburger with fries and a shake. Done right, it doesn't get much better than that.” Toward that end, here are tips on the best meat, potato and ice cream to employ, and instruction on the preferred ways to grill, deep-fry and blend. Full-page, full-color photos make options like the Greek burger (with feta cheese and Greek yogurt) and the garlic butter burger even more seductive than their toppings do already. There are fries of every thickness and even onion rings get their due. Both beer-battered and buttermilk are explored. Of course, Flay wouldn't be Flay without a chapter on condiments and seasonings so chipotle ketchup, red chili mustard and 14 others are at hand. Another reason why this collection is so satisfying: put the word milkshake in the name of any recipe and there is no turning away. Blackberry cheesecake milkshake is a must-have before even knowing that cream cheese and lemon zest are involved. The peanut butter-banana-marshmallow milkshake is puffed with Marshmallow Fluff, while the peach Bellini milkshake uses a blend of whole milk and peaches instead of ice cream, and is set afizz with Champagne. (Apr.)