Heartland Pork Burgers with Apple and Avocado Salsa

Pairs well with:

Moscato

Paired or alone, there's something magical about this creamy wine that nods to yummy peaches and sinful delights.

Ingredients:

¼ cup finely chopped red onion
3 Tbsp finely chopped Gala apple
1 medium avocado, mashed
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp salt
2 lbs ground pork
3 Tbsp finely chopped Gala apple
3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 Tbsp apple juice
6 slices applewood smoke bacon
Vegetable oil, for brushing on the grill rack
6 ciabatta rolls, split
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
12 slices gala apple

Instructions:

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium high.

Make the salsa by combining ¼ cup red onion, 3 Tablespoons gala apple, avocado, garlic, lime juice, & 1 teaspoon salt. Once combined, chill.

Mix ground pork, 3 Tablespoons gala apple, 3 Tablespoons red onion, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and apple juice in a large bowl. Mold pork mixture into six equal patties.

Start the bacon cooking in a skillet and cook until crisp. Drain and set aside.

Once the grill is hot, brush the grill with vegetable oil. Place the pork patties onto the grill. Close lid and turn after 4-6 minutes, depending on the hotness of the grill. Once mostly done, move to the outer/cooler section of the grill and toast the ciabatta rolls on the hotter portion of the grill.

To assemble, place burger on bottom half of the ciabatta roll. Layer cheese, bacon and apple slices on burger. Spread salsa on top half of the ciabatta roll and place onto burger.