Ingredients
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1 lb. ground beef tossed with 20 cranks of Microplane's Grinder full of whole dried basil leaves
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14 snack-sized slices Cabot Co-Jack Cheese
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2 thick slices roma tomato
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sliced or chopped pickles (or relish)
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sliced or chopped onion
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spoonfuls of Red Duck Smokey Ketchup
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spicy brown mustard to taste
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sprinkle with salt and coarse ground black pepper
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2 onion poppy seed rolls, split open and grilled on the inside
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2 large crispy iceberg lettuce leaves
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4 thick-cut strips lean bacon, peppered and cooked crisp
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mayo or Miracle Whip
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more Red Duck Ketchup
Instructions
Crumble ground beef into medium bowl, add 10 cranks of dried basil, toss meat turning to expose unseasoned sides. Add 10 more cranks of basil and toss to mix. Divide into fourths.Onto baking sheet, press meat into 4 patties making two larger and two smaller. Top each larger patty with 2 slices cheese (break one in half to fit easily), roma tomato slices, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Drape smaller patties over, cup with hands to mold to and cover inside ingredients, then fold up bottom edges and seal WELL all the way around forming a nice smooth ball with no cracks. Wrap each tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm.Heat grill until very hot, then reduce temp to 375º - 400º. Season burgers with salt and pepper, then place onto grill top side up. Close lid and grill for 6 minutes. Turn, close lid, and grill for 6 more minutes. Turn 2 more times grilling 6 minutes each time. (Grilling bottom, top, bottom, top, then turn and move to a cooler spot, top side up.)Top each with 3 slices cheese, close lid, and grill until cheese has fully melted. About another 4 - 5 minutes. Remove to a plate to rest.While burgers are resting, grill insides of buns.Top bottom buns with lettuce leaves, place burger on top. Top with bacon slices. Dress inside top of bun with mayo and more ketchup, and place on top. Enjoy!NOTE: Total cooking time for lightly pink inside, depending on your grill, is about 28 - 30 minutes which includes the time it takes to melt the cheese.
