Maple Cheddar Burgers
with Spicy Apple Bacon Compote

Ingredients

1 cup Mayonnaise
1/8 cup honey
4 ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper, divided

3 slides of thick, hickory smoked bacon, chopped
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
6 Tbsp maple syrup
6 Tbsp water

2 lbs ground beef (sirloin/chuck combo)
3 Tbps maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
6 soft multigrain buns, split

Directions

Combine mayo, honey and 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Cover, set aside to allow flavors to combine.

Cook bacon until very crisp. Drain on a paper towel. Set aside.

Place apples, maple syrup, water and remaining cayenne in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are soft and most of the liquid is gone. Mash. Stir in bacon. Keep warm and set aside.

Combine the beef, maple syrup, salt and pepper gently. Divide into six equal patties.

Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side on medium-high grill

Top with a thick slice of sharp cheddar cheese when finished cooking, allow to melt slightly.

Toast buns lightly over grill. Generously slather each side of the bun with the honey cayenne mayo.

Place burger patty on the bottom half of the bun. Top the burgers with the spicy apple bacon compote and serve immediately.

©Recipe by Donna Beck – 2013 Avalon Recipe Challenge Contest Grand Prize Winner