apple and cheddar burgers

Ingredients

1 lb. grass-fed beef
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
4 slices of Boar's Head sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and shredded
4 slices applewood smoked bacon

Instructions

1. Cook bacon. Set aside and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Combine beef, onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and apple in a large bowl. Do not overwork mixture. Form gently into 4 patties.
3. Grill burgers until medium rare. In the last minute of cooking, top with cheese to melt.
4. Top with bacon, arugula, and a smear hamburger roll with more Dijon mustard.

blue-rugula burgers

Ingredients

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
2 onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp. brown sugar
salt and pepper
1 lb. ground sirloin
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
handful of breadcrumbs
1/2 lb. blue cheese, thinly sliced
crusty rolls, lightly toasted
2 handfuls of arugula leaves
spicy brown mustard

Instructions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, brown sugar and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook until caramelized and sweet, about 40 minutes.
2. Combine meat with garlic, Worcestershire, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Form 2-3 patties.
3. Grill burgers. In the last minute of cooking time, top burgers with a few slices of blue cheese.
4. Place burgers on bun bottoms and top with arugula and caramelized onions. Spread spicy brown mustard on the top bun.

*Adapted from Rachel Ray