Directions: |
Directions:1. Soak wood chips in water t least 30 min. Prepare Kentucky Bourbon Sauce.
2. Meanwhile, mix ground chuck, 1 tsp kosher salt and ½ tsp. black pepper; form four ¾ inch-thick patties. Make shallow indentations in centers of patties. Chill until ready to grill.
3. Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat (400º to 450º F). Drain wood chips add to charcoal or to smoker box of a gas grill, following manufacture's directions; cover. When smoke appears, grill patties over direct medium-high, covered, to medium doneness (160º F), 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. During last minute, place 1 oz. cheese on each patty and toast buns, cut sides down, over direct heat.
4. Build burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, bacon slices, and Kentucky Bourbon Sauce.
KENTUCKY BOURBON SAUCE:
In a heavy medium saucepan warm 2 tsp. vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 slices bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces; cook until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain; reserve drippings in pan. Add 1 finely chopped onion (⅔ cup) to pan; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until soft and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes; stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 clove garlic, minced; cook 1 minute. Add ¼ cup bourbon; increase heat to medium-high. Boil 1 minute. Add 1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup water, 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar, 3 Tbsp unsulfured molasses (not blackstrap), 2 Tbsp. dark steak sauce (A-1), 1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard, 1 tsp. liquid smoke, and ½ tsp. hot pepper sauce. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes or until reduced to 2 cups. stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in cooked bacon. |
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