Coffee-rubbed BBQ Burger

Coffee-rubbed BBQ Burger

by Rachael Tanis
adapted from this recipe

Coffee Rub:
1 Tablespoon ground coffee, Lock n Load Java Task Force Zulu - Single Origin Ethiopian
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Burgers:
8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
1 pound ground chuck
1 pound ground sirloin
8 slices pepperjack cheese
8 hamburger buns
Leaf lettuce
8 slices red onion
Tater tots, prepared per instructions on the package
Stubbs Original BBQ Sauce

For the coffee rub:
1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.

For the burgers:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Break in half.

2. Gently mix the chuck and sirloin in a large bowl. Form the meat into 8 patties, about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.

3. Warm the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

4. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the coffee rub on top of each burger.

5. Place the burgers, rub side down, on a grill rack. Grill until slightly charred, about 4 minutes; turn. Place 2 bacon slice halves atop each burger. Cook for 3 minutes. Top each with 1 cheese slice. Cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute longer.

6. Place the burgers atop bottom halves of buns. Top with lettuce, onion slices and tater tots. Spoon a dollop of BBQ sauce over each burger. Cover with the bun tops and serve.

Yield: 8 mouth-watering burgers