The Recipe Thread [tm--CajunCook]

JALAPEÑO CHEESEBURGERS with Bacon

makes 8

If you’re a chile hound, here’s one for you. Chopped jalapeño is blended straight into the burgers (if you want to amp up the heat even more, include some of the seeds) and gives spice to the spicy ranch sauce. The burgers gain another layer of flavor from a Worcestershire- coffee glaze that gets brushed on while they grill.

SPICY RANCH SAUCE

4 scallions, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 ⁄ 2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. minced seeded jalapeño
1 ⁄ 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

BURGERS

2 lb. ground beef (20% fat)
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 1 ⁄ 4 cups)
1 ⁄ 4 cup chopped flat- leaf parsley
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. chopped seeded jalapeño
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 ⁄ 4 tsp. cayenne pepper

WORCESTERSHIRE- COFFEE GLAZE

1 ⁄ 3 cup light corn syrup
2 Tbsp. ketchup
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. (packed) light brown sugar
1 tsp. instant coffee powder
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

16 slices bacon Vegetable oil, for brushing
8 hamburger buns or 3- to 4- inch square focaccia rolls, split horizontally
8 lettuce leaves
2 cups coarsely shredded sharp white cheddar (about 8 oz.)
Assorted additional toppings (such as tomato and grilled onion slices)

SAUCE
Whisk first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

BURGERS
Gently mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Form mixture into eight 1 ⁄ 2 to 3 ⁄ 4 inch- thick patties. Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of each.Place on a small baking sheet. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

GLAZE
Stir first 5 ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until coffee is dissolved. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Season glaze to taste with salt and pepper.

Working in batches if necessary, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium- high heat until crisp and brown. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

Build a medium- hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high. Brush grill grate with oil. Toast buns until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer buns, cut side up, to plates. Place lettuce on each bun bottom. Grill burgers for 2 to 3 minutes, basting with glaze. Turn burgers and baste with glaze. Press cheese atop each burger. Grill until cooked to desired doneness, 2 to 3 minutes longer for medium- rare. Spread some sauce on buns and assemble burgers, topping each with 2 slices bacon and additional toppings as desired.