the vermonster

This ingenious concoction from the folks at BurgaBox by Boston Burger Company is a mouthwatering mash-up of a classic Yankee apple pie and a cheeseburger. Their tip: Cook the patties and toast the buns in bacon drippings for a delicious smoky flavor.

Heat 2 Tbsp butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add ½ thinly sliced red onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 2 thinly sliced Granny Smith apples. Cook 3–5 minutes or until apples are tender and onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1⁄3 cup maple syrup, 1½ Tbsp dark brown sugar and ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Cook 3 minutes; set aside. In a large bowl, combine 2 lb 80 percent lean ground beef ,½tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper; gently mix to incorporate. Form mixture into 4 (½-inch-thick) patties; set aside.

Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon to a large pan over medium-high heat; cook 5 minutes or until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving drippings in pan. Add burgers to pan; cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium or until desired degree of doneness. Top each patty with 1 slice Vermont cheddar cheese and let melt, 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate; keep warm. Pour off drippings. Return pan to medium-high heat. Add 4 hamburger buns, cut sides down, to pan; toast 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Spread Vermonster

Maple-Mayo Sauce on bottom halves of toasted buns. Top each with 1 patty, apple mixture and 2 bacon slices. Spread sauce on top bun and cover burger. Serves 4.

Vermonster MapleMayo Sauce

Mix ½ cup mayonnaise and 1½ Tbsp maple syrup until smooth. Makes about ½ cup.