Black & Blue Burgers

What a name!  They aren't actually that color nor are they bruised.  However, they were good!  Hmmm . . . I just discovered I forgot to take a picture of the finished product before consumption.  We used ground elk.  Really took away the wild game taste.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 pkt Black & Blue Cheese Ball Mix
2 tsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1/3 c light mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Bacon pepper Jam
6 slices 2% milk Cheddar cheese
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, optional

Instructions:


1.  In large bowl, combine first 3 ingredients; salt and pepper as desired.  Form into 6 patties.

2.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add patties.  Pan-fry, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read food thermometer, about 8-10 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Bacon Pepper Jam.  Set aside.  Top burgers with cheese.

4.  Spread toasted buns with bacon pepper aioli.  Top with burgers, lettuce and tomatoes, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with a green salad.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare step 1.  Place patties in a gallon freezer bag between sheets of wax paper.  Place Bacon Pepper Jam in a quart freezer bag.  Place cheese in a quart freezer bag.  Place all bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 2.

Garlic Seared Steak with Black & Blue Butter

We enjoy eating steak occasionally.  This was very delicious.  I used the butter on my baked potato & veggies as well as the steak itself.


Ingredients:

1/2 c butter, softened
1 pkt Black & Blue Cheese Ball Mix
1 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs beef strip or sirloin steak

Instructions:

1.  In small bowl, combine softened butter and about 1/2 packet Black & Blue Cheese Ball Mix.  Form into 6-8 balls.  Place on wax paper.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2.  In small microwave-safe bowl, combine Garlic Garlic Seasoning and 1 tablespoon water.  Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds; stir in remaining 1/2 packet Black & Blue Cheese Ball Mix and olive oil.  Rub over both sides of steaks.

3.  Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add steaks.  Cook until desired doneness is reached on an instant-read food thermometer (145 degrees F for medium-rare; 160 degrees F for medium), turning over halfway and brushing with pan drippings occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.

4.  Remove steak from skillet.  Cover and let rest 5 minutes.  Slice steak across the grain.  Serve topped with butter balls.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Bayou Bourbon Green Beans.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare step 1.  Wrap with plastic wrap.  Place in a quart freezer bag.  Prepare step 2.  Place in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label, and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 3.