(NAPSA)—One of the top trends in barbecue today is the movement toward more individual expression. “It used to be that barbecuestyles were determinedbyregions, but in our Internet-connected, melting-pot nation, those regional styles are evolving,” explained Jamie Purviance, chef and authorof the new for 2016 “Weber’s New American Barbecue.” “Youngergrillers are blending oldschool methodswith fresh flavors to come up with unexpectedfoodriffs, including Boston Bacon Fatties and Baby Back Ribs with BlueberryChipotle Barbecue Sauce.” For example, Purviance’s Bacon Cheeseburgers with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce can add some new-school excitement to your next backyard barbecue. Bacon Cheeseburgers With Kentucky Bourbon Sauce Serves 4 Prep time: 20 minutes, plus about 35 minutes for the sauce Grilling time: 8 to 10 minutes Special equipment:2 large handfuls hickory or mesquite wood chips 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 2 slices bacon,cut into 4- inch-wide strips 1 yellow onion, about 5 ounces, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced Y% cup bourbon 1 cup ketchup Y4 cup water 3 tablespoons cider vinegar 3 tablespoons unsulfured molasses (not blackstrap) 2 tablespoons dark steak sauce 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard 1 teaspoon liquid smoke % teaspoon hot pepper sauce 8 slices bacon 1% pounds groundchuck (80 percent lean) 1 teaspoon koshersalt % teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, grated 4 hamburger buns,split 4 leaves romainelettuce, shredded 8 slices ripe tomato Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. In a heavy, medium saucepan over medium heat on the stove, warm the oil. Add the bacon strips and fry until browned andcrisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain andcool, leaving the drippings in the saucepan. Add the onionto the saucepan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until soft tucky Bourbon Sauce can bring a delicious blend of BBQ styles to your next cookout. and golden brown,8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the bourbon, increase the heat to medium-high, and boil to reduce slightly, about 1 minute. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture thickens and is reduced to about 2 cups, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat andstir in the fried and cooled bacon. Cover and keep warm. Meanwhile,in a skillet over medium heat on the stove, fry the eight bacon slices until browned andcrisp, 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Mix the ground chuck, salt and pepper, and then gently form four patties of equal size, each about *% inch thick. With your thumborthe back of a spoon, makea shallow indentation about 1 inch wide in the center of the patties to prevent them from forming a dome as they cook. Refrigerate the patties until ready to grill. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat (about 400 F). Drain and add the wood chips to the charcoal or to the smoker box of a gasgrill, following manufacturer’s instructions, and close the lid. When smoke appears,grill the patties over direct medium-high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to medium doneness(160 F), 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Duringthe last minute ofgrilling time, place one-quarter of the cheese on eachpatty to melt, and toast the buns, cut side down, over direct heat. Build each burger on a bun withlettuce, tomato slices, a patty, bacon slices and sauce. Serve warm. Learn More For furtherfacts, tips and recipes, visit www. weber.com/cookbooks.
