Pimento Cheese Burger

Ingredients:

prepare in advance, pimento cheese (see recipe under appetizers or snacks) and honey slaw (see recipe under salads)

1 1/4 pounds ground beef

1/4 pound cured & smoked country ham, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper

4 potato hamburger buns, split

8 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, cooked crisp

pimento

1/2 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the beef, ham, salt and pepper. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties to fit the buns.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Using a nonstick grill pan or skillet, cook the hamburgers over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature registers 145 degrees on meat thermometer.

Meanwhile, place buns on a rack in the oven. Bake at 375 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Assemble the sandwiches in the following manner: Spread a generous amount of pimento cheese on the cut sides of the buns. On each bun bottom, place a thin layer of slaw. Top the slaw with a burger, 2 slices of bacon, and potato chips. Add the bun tops. Place the completed hamburgers on a nonstick baking sheet and bake in the oven for 1 minute. Serve burgers on warm plates.