I just got back from vacation. We went to Minnesota for a week, spending a few days in the Twin Cities and then a few more on the North Shore, a stone's throw from the Canadian border. We spent time with friends, family and (a lot of) good food, from blue cheese burgers to homemade caramel turtle ice cream to bagels and freshly-cured lox. It was fantastic getaway, and though I'm sad it's over, I'm also glad to be back to spend the final few weeks of the summer at home.

There's a lot going on around here. Living in a college town, once school's back in session, it's as if the city has come back to life again, with hoards of backpack-wielding students roaming the sidewalks and pedaling on their bicycles to class. It's also a perfect time to experience the downtown life, as restaurants and coffee shops, once desolate, are bustling again. But of course, there's always a downside — and in this case, what makes this city so great is also what makes it a pain in the you-know-what. That would be the crowds.

So, though it's nice to be a part of the lively city every once in a while, it's also nice to stick around at home where you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot or missing your dinner reservation. And with grilling still on the menu in these waning days of summer, there's nothing better than cooking up a juicy burger between my favorite part of the package — the bun.

Buns, in my opinion, always get the wrong end of the deal. To most, they are overlooked when there's a delicious burger topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms in the way (and who could blame them?). But, with these homemade Brioche hamburger buns, the bread takes center stage. Fluffy, airy, lightly sweet and with the slightest of crusts, they are the perfect accompaniment to any filling. And when enjoyed in the comfort of your home — no parking spots or crazy crowds to worry about — it's a nice way to celebrate the end of summer.

Though another vacation would be nice, too.

Stephanie (aka Girl versus Dough) has joined Tablespoon to share her adventures in the kitchen. Check out Stephanie's Tablespoon member profile and keep checking back for her own personal recipes on Tablespoon!