Sweet & Spicy Sliders

Pairs well with:

White Zinfandel

With strawberry and melon essences, this American original is perfectly at home with however you like to unwind.

Ingredients:

2 t. olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 T. butter
2 T. sugar
12 oz. fresh mozzarella
3/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1-2 t. fresh cracked pepper
1 clove garlic
1 t. salt
1 t. chili powder
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 T. lime juice
1 T. chipotle hot sauce
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 t. chili powder
2 t. cholula seasoning
1 t. salt
1/2 t. fresh cracked pepper
12 dinner rolls
3 roma tomatoes, 4 slices each (12 total)
6-7 romaine lettuce leaves, cut in half
12 dill pickle slices

6 servings, 2 sliders each

Instructions:

In a medium saute pan at medium high heat, warm olive oil then add diced onions. Saute onions under tender, about 10 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted. Add sugar and stir. Cook an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Heat grill to medium high heat.

Slice mozzarella into 12 equal pieces. Place in medium mixing bowl. Add vinegar and pepper, stir and set aside.

Mince garlic with salt and chili powder, pushing salt and chili powder into the garlic. Place in small bowl, then add mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce. Mix well then set aside. (This can even be done up to 24 hours ahead of time.)

In a large bowl, add ground beef, chili powder, cholula, salt and pepper. Mix well, then add sauteed onions and mix again. Shape mixture into 12 meatballs, then press those meatballs into small patties. Place patties on grill and cook 7 minutes. Flip over, place marinated mozzarella on top of each slider and cook an additional 7 minutes.

After adding mozzarella, cut dinner rolls in half and place on grill for 2-3 minutes each. Remove buns and sliders at appropriate times, and begin to assemble.

Place buns on plate and spread spicy mayo on both sides. Place burger with mozzarella on bottom, then place lettuce leaf, tomato slice and dill pickle on top. Stack together and serve with your favorite side.