What's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear fluff screamer? For anyone living outside of Pennsylvania, your answer is probably, "What the heck are you talking about?"
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A fluff screamer, for those unfamiliar, is actually a famous burger invented by the restaurant Tony's Lunch in the 1970's. Tony's Lunch is located in Girardville, PA, and is ironically not open for lunch. Residents from all over Schuylkill County (try saying that 3 times fast) have grown to love this hyper-regional fluff screamer burger.
Tony's is now known as a post bar stop for the coal region late night crowd, where patrons can get the fluff screamer, as well as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks. If you're a first time visitor, it's cash only, and full disclaimer: they only open when they want to. On most days, this means after 6pm. Fortunately, the fluff burger is worth the wait.
The Screamer and The Fluff Screamer
The screamer is a hamburger topped with raw onions, a super spicy chili sauce, and a pat of butter. You can add a slice of quick cheese, which is American cheese that slowly melts between the patty and bun.
The fluff screamer is all of the above with a dollop of marshmallow fluff added. The fluff is said to perfectly tame the hot sauce and provide a hot-sweet combo that is undeniably delicious.
The fluff got its signature marshmallow fluff after a 16 yr old regular asked for it on the burger. Tony's serves hot chocolate with fluff, and the girl thought it would be good on the burger. After being denied by countless servers, Tony's waitress niece obliged the girl. Others took notice, and before long it became a staple.
DIY Fluff Screamer at Home
If you can't make it to Tony's, it's worth a shot to make this at home. You'll start by making the chili sauce. Begin by sautéing some onion in a pan until translucent. Next, add garlic and your ground beef along with paprika, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and as much red pepper flake as you can handle. Remember, it's supposed to be HOT.
While the sauce is simmering, start on the burger. Form the patty and sear on your pan. Take your classic hamburger buns and slather some butter on one side. On the other side, take your burger and top it with a slice of American cheese. On top of that, add the hot chili sauce. If you really want a kick, add it to both sides. Lastly, take a heaping spoonful of marshmallow fluff and add it to the bun. Fold the two sides together and voila, you have a fluff screamer.
Watch Youtuber EmmyMade's step-by-step video to make the fluff screamer burger.
Once you've made your burger concoction you'll see for yourself how delicious (or not) it is. If you want to get a taste of the true original, you'll have to book it to Tony's Lunch for a real taste test.
