Berry-iffic Burgers: Blueberry Burgers with Bacon, Blueberry/Chipotle Sauce, and Goat Cheese

Burgers are something to enjoy year-round but a great American tradition is grilling outside with family and friends, incorporating fresh ingredients that combine both tradition and unique flavors.As Americans, we are becoming more aware of ingredients and how they impact our overall health. Blueberries, labeled as a “Super food”, are a great way to incorporate antioxidants into our meal.

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh blueberries

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/3 cup honey

1 1/2 tablespoons grated orange rind

1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons course ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 pounds ground chuck

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 small red onion, chopped

8 pieces thick cut raw bacon, chopped

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Vegetable oil to oil the grill grates

6 good quality buns

8 oz goat cheese

3 cups arugula

6 long toothpicks

Fresh blueberries to garnish

Instructions:

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.

To make sauce, combine all ingredients (blueberries, white wine vinegar, honey, orange rind, chipotle chilies, mustard, salt, ginger) in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.

To make the patties, combine bacon and onions in a small pan to sauté. Cook until onions are translucent and bacon is ½ way cooked. Drain off the bacon fat and set aside the onion and bacon mixture to add to the patties. Then combine the beef chuck, blueberries, basil, salt and pepper in a large bowl, handling as little as possible. Shape into 6 patties to fit the bun size. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. Place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly during the last 2 minutes of grilling.

To assemble the burgers, place equal portions of the goat cheese on each bun bottom, followed by equal portions of arugula, then the patty, and equal portions of the chutney. Add the bun tops, place toothpick through the burger and garnish with three blueberries on the toothpick. Serve and Enjoy.

Makes 6 burgers.