New Meal Monday: Whoopass Burgers

So we can't have a series of recipes related to summertime grilling and not talk about burgers.  The burger is a classic and a staple for summertime cookouts.  While a simple beef burger with no frills can make for a delicious meal, sometimes its fun to get creative.  Since my wife won't eat any beef burger I make, I figured this was also an opportunity to add a little extra heat to my meal, as well. (Don't worry I made her a Quinoa Black Bean Burger) Since the Teeny Tiny Spice Company describes their Whoopass Spice as the "Flavor of the United States" I figured this seasoning MUST compliment a burger well.  I've also picked up a tip at a party recently that mixing some pork with the beef gives the burger a great taste and texture (again, for something a little different). 
Finally, I topped the burger with Vermont Cheddar Cheese, as well some sweet Maple BBQ Sauce and caramelized onion to create a nice sweet contrast with spice of the burger.  You can adjust the amount of spice to your taste...I tend to tread a little lightly, but found the burger had more than enough heat for me! (If you don't have the Whoopass, you can play around with mixing in a few different chili powders, salt, pepper and cumin...but do so at your own risk!)

What you'll need:

• 1lb Ground Beef
• 1/2lb Ground Pork
• 1.5Tbsp Teeny Tiny Spice Whoopass* 
• 1 Onion, halved & sliced
• Cheddar Cheese 
• BBQ Sauce*
• 5 Burger Buns (preferably toasted/grilled at time of serving)
• Olive Oil

How you'll do it:

1. Caramelize Onion. (I like to cook in a skillet with a little butter over low heat for about 45 min or until onion is soft and brown) While onions are caramelizing:
2. Heat grill to medium heat.
3. In a large bowl mix beef, pork and Whoopass seasoning. Massage together using hands until all three are mixed together evenly.
4. With meat mixture form 5 equally sized patties. Brush patties with olive oil
5. Cook burgers as desired.  I like medium-rare, so one a charcoal grill I cook on direct heat (medium-to-medium high) for about 3 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on indirect heat (medium to medium low). Top with cheese for final minute.
6. Place cooked burgers on bun, top with caramelized onion & BBQ sauce and enjoy!

*Pick your favorite, but we're big fans of Sugar Bob's Smoked Maple BBQ Sauce!