N, B, & J (Nuts On A Burger W/ Jam)

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces texas toast
  • 3 Pounds ground beef
  • 10 ounces dried, pitted dates
  • 1 Cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Cup Sutter Home Merlot
  • 1 Cup brown sugar
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • pinch salt
  • 1/ Cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 Cup pecan pieces
  • 1/2 Cup walnut pieces
  • 1/2 Cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • pinch chili powder
  • 1/2 Cup cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 Cups arugula
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Cup feta cheese

Instructions

  • – Simmer dates in brown sugar, orange zest, balsamic, red wine, salt, and rosemary until reduced to syrupy. Puree the jam evenly, using water to thin if necessary.
  • – Mix all of the nuts, maple, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cream cheese together until completely coated.
  • – Patty the meat into 6 ounce patties, season to taste,
  • and grill to desired temperature.
  • – Toast both sides of each slice of texas toast in the broiler for 30 seconds.
  • – Toss the arugula in the juice of the 1/2 lemon, the extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • – Top one piece of the toasted bread with the jam. Then place the dressed arugula.
  • – On top of the arugula, place the burger patty. On top of the patty place 2 Tablespoons of the nut mixture.
  • – On top of the nut mixture, place a sprinkle of the feta cheese. Top with the other piece of texas toast.
  • – Slice diagonally and chomp down with some grown up juice…. aka Sutter Home Pinot Grigio.