Several years ago, I became hooked on cooking shows. Big surprise there, right? One of my favorites at the time was a build a better burger competition on the Food Network. As I was watching I realized I could make similar food to what was being presented. The challenge was accepted I have been trying ever since to improve the common cheeseburger. I have made them stuffed with green onions, used different cheeses, and even a garlic serrano paste. However, tonight's version has to be one of my favorites and is a great way to treat dad on Father's Day.
Before I get started, I have to acknowledge that part of the inspiration for this came from an old friend who suggested I cook a Jack Daniels roast in a dutch oven. Well, that got me thinking about what something similar could do to a cheeseburger. So, I settled in and created a jalapeno bourbon sauce as a way to add flavor, a little spice, and just plain jazz up an ordinary food.
The Glaze:
2 tablespoons Jack Daniels (I know, technically it is a Tennessee whisky)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno
1 teaspoon tajin
To a small pot or saucepan add the glaze ingredients and mix well. Over low heat bring the glaze to a simmer stirring frequently. Do not boil the glaze. This will simmer while you cook the meat and will begin to thicken slightly. Once you see the glaze start to thicken remove from heat.
Fresher meat is of course better and for tonight's supper I used locally sourced beef provided by the W Lazy 5 Cattle Co and it is amazing! Normally for something like this I don't use any type of all-purpose seasoning, but being poor I don't have a full cupboard full of spices so an all-purpose seasoning it is. I recently picked up a bottle of Grandpa Lynn's at the local grocery store, so I seasoned my beef using that. With the range on medium low I sat the beef in the pan on medium low until just cooked all the way through. burger was placed on toasted bun with the thin slice of cheddar cheese. On top of the burger I spooned the bourbon glaze being sure to capture plenty of the peppers, and watched as the glaze covered the beef and slid down to infuse the toasted bun. Adding sliced tomatoes and red onion to cheeseburger I sat down and enjoyed the most flavorful burger I have had in quite some time. The flavors of the brown sugar, tajin, and jalapenos combined with the bourbon surprisingly well!
Feel free to follow the blog and comment on the recipe. In your comments be sure to include what you would use to wash down the meal or include as a side. Ribbon fries and iced tea perhaps? Also, be sure to view the other post from today by clicking on the blog title or looking to the archive on the left to check out my dutch oven meal prep for the week.
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