Old Fashioned Whiskey Burger

INGREDIENTS: WHISKEY-CARAMELIZED ONIONS

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 large yellow onions, diced

• ⅓ cup rye whiskey or your favorite whiskey

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

ROASTED ORANGE MUSTARD

• 2 large oranges

• ¼ cup dijon mustard

• ¼ cup yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon orange bitters

SMASH BURGERS

• 2 Tablespoons or Desired amount of Grill Mate Vegetable Seasoning for Burgers

• 2 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 slices cheese

WHISKEY-CARAMELIZED ONIONS

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced into half moons

• ⅓ cup rye whiskey

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

ROASTED ORANGE MUSTARD

• 2 large navel oranges

• ¼ cup dijon mustard

• ¼ cup yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon orange bitters

ASSEMBLY

• 4 burger buns

• 2 Tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter

• 1 cup spinach leaves

• 8 slices beefsteak tomatoes

PREPERATION

1. Make the whiskey-caramelized onions: In a large, high-walled skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add the whiskey and salt and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit until ready to use.

2. Make the orange bitters mustard:

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and bitters until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Make the smash burgers:

5. Divide the ground beef into 8 4-ounce portions, being careful not to work the meat too much.

6. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the olive oil into pan. Place 2 portions of ground beef, or as many as will fit without overcrowding, in the pan and use a flat metal spatula to flatten into patties. Season each patty generously with grill mate vegetable seasoning. Once the patties turn golden brown on the bottoms and the edges are crispy, about 2 minutes, flip and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Top each patty with 1 slice of American cheese or your favorite cheese and let it melt for about 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining ground beef patties.

7. Butter and Toast your buns before beginning to assemble.

8. Open the buns and place spinach on each bottom bun, followed by tomatoes, your smashed burger patty, and caramelized onions,. Spread 1 tablespoons of the orange mustard bitters sauce over the underside of each top bun, then place on top of the burgers. Pairs well with my Kale Chips Recipe!

9. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Whiskey Burger!