step 1
Chop Smoked Bacon (1 lb) into 1/4-inch dice. Chop Heat a large saucepot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook uncovered until crisp and rendered, stirring often.
step 2
Scoop out bacon onto a paper towel lined plate, leaving behind approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
step 3
Reduce heat to medium and add Sweet Onions (1 1/2 cups). Cook uncovered until softened and starting to caramelize, approximately 10 minutes.
step 4
Add Garlic (3 cloves) and continue to cook for 1 - 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
step 5
Add Brown Sugar (4 Tbsp), Chili Powder (1/2 tsp), Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp), Whiskey (1/3 cup), Maple Syrup (4 Tbsp), Apple Cider Vinegar (1/3 cup), and cooked bacon and heat to a simmer.
step 6
Reduce heat and cook for approximately 30 minutes until mixture is "jammy".
step 7
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. If you like a chunkier texture, serve bacon jam as is. If you prefer a jammier texture, add 1/2 the bacon jam to a food processor and pulse several times to break down bacon.
step 8
Stir together with unprocessed half and serve. Yields an approximate 1 1/4 cups of bacon jam and will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to one week.
step 9
Preheat grill to medium high. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
step 10
Weigh Ground Chuck (1.5 lb) into 6 ounce portions. Form each portion into 4.5 inch - 4.75inch patties using a press or your hands, making sure not to overwork the meat. Using your thumb, make an indent in the centre of each patty.
step 11
Place formed patties onto a parchment-lined tray and lightly brush both sides with Canola Oil (as needed). Sprinkle both sides generously with Kosher Salt (to taste) and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste).
step 12
Place patties onto grill and cook for approximately 4 - 5 minutes per side for medium. Flip patties only once.
step 13
Remove from heat onto a plate and top with Mozzarella Cheese (4 slices). Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for about 3 minutes, giving the meat time to rest and the cheese time to melt.
step 14
While burgers are resting, toast Hamburger Buns (4) and warm bacon jam. Assemble burgers with bacon jam and other toppings as desired and serve immediately.
