BBQ Flavor Without the Grill

Using the grill to cook burgers always ends up tasty results, but what if you don't have a grill or the weather is not cooperating? This week, as I was getting ready to make dinner, the weather turned sour. I wasn't about to let the weather ruin my meal plans, and headed inside to cook instead. This made me think, how can BBQ inspired flavor be made without the actual grill? For the solution I turned to Pastamore Kentucky Bourbon Marinade and Grill Sauce. This sauce offers a bold, delicious flavor that brings out great BBQ flavor.

Now that we have decided to cook indoors, the means of cooking must be determined. For my burger, I used a George Foreman Grill. Why it may seem awfully cliche to use a Foreman to grill on, those who eat the burgers will have a hard time tasting the difference between a normal grill. Other viable options include the oven (the broiler can work pretty well), a regular pan, or a cast iron pan. Of these three options, the cast iron skillet is going to offer the best flavor and cooking properties. Burgers on a cast iron skillet should be cooked on medium-high heat, should be flipped only once, and should take 3-4 minutes per side. If you find that the burgers are cooking to fast on the outside and not enough on the inside, try covering the skillet with a cover or tin foil to speed up interior cooking time.

Now that that has been taken care of, remember that the weather (cold, rain, wind, etc.) can not stop you from making a great burger!

Ingredients: Servings: 3
1 lb - 80/20 ground beef (85/15 acceptable)
1 Tbsp - Pastamore Traditional Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp - Pastamore Kentucky Bourbon Marinade and Grill Sauce (Sweet and Smoky or Chipotle Chile sauces acceptable)
1/2 - shallot
1 Tbsp - vegetable oil
1.5 tsp - stone ground mustard
1/2 tsp - salt
1/4 tsp - black pepper
One pinch - cumin
3 buns - toasted in the oven
3 slices - cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Turn on the George Foreman Grill or heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, saute the shallot in the vegetable oil over medium, medium-high heat. Cook the shallot until it becomes translucent.
2. Combine meat, mustard, all dry ingredients, shallot, Pastamore Traditional Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and Pastamore Kentucky Bourbon Marinade and Grill Sauce in a large bowl and mix well. Separate the meat into three equal sized patties, approximately 1/2"-3/4" thick.
3. Place the burgers on the cooking surface and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes before turning (if using a Foreman, total cook time will be around 4-6 minutes and no flipping is required).
4. When the burgers are halfway done place the buns in a toaster oven or oven.
5. When the burgers have reached the desired doneness place a slice of cheese on top of the burger (if the cheese is not melting well, cover them with a metal bowl to help melt the cheese).
6. Place the burgers on the toasted buns and top with 1 Tbsp Pastamore Kentucky Bourbon Marinade and Grill Sauce. Serve with french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or your favorite side.