“My Old Kentucky Home” Burgers

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir

Every pour of our Pinot Noir brings you a delicious blend of berry flavors and the romantic aroma of violet.

Country ham, sausage biscuits and mint juleps (a type of the mint plant grows in the KY Pennyroyal Plateau) are only a few of the delights of Kentucky.Adapting variations of such ingredients in my recipe, these Kentucky-inspired Burgers will have you racing to the Finish Line! to eat!

Ingredients:

Patties:
2 pounds chuck
2 links Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage, casings removed and crumbled
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper, ground
1 cup green onions, chopped
1/3 cup Sutter Home Pinot Noir Wine
1 tablespoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce

Parmesan Cheese & Mint Spread:
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper, ground
1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons vegetable oil to brush on grill
12 Hearty Slices Virginia Brand Baked Ham, Made in Kentucky
6 – 5″ Kaiser rolls
6 crisp Romaine leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

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

To make the Patties: combine the chuck, sausage, salt, pepper, green onions, wine and pepper sauce in a large bowl. Handling as little as possible, shape into 6 patties to fit the bun size. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and set aside.

To make the Spread: in a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the cheese, mint, pepper and mayonnaise. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and set aside.

Grilling the Patties: brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and grill for 5-7 minutes. Turn the patties. Place 2 slices of ham on each patty, cover the grill, and cook for another 5-7 minutes for medium. During the last few minutes of cooking the patties, place the buns, cut-sides down, on the outer perimeters of the grill and toast until lightly browned. Remove from grill to 2 separate plates.

To assemble the Burgers: divide the Spread evenly on all 12 cut sides of the buns. On the 6 bun bottoms layer the romaine pieces on the spread. Flip the burgers so that the ham is on the bottom and place atop the romaine. Crown with the bun tops, skewer if desired, and serve.