Connoisseur's beef burger

CONNOISSEUR'S BEEF BURGER

Portions : 4 - Preparation time : 15 minutes - Cooking time : about 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) Québec ground beef
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons) bread crumbs
• 45 ml (3 tbsp.) yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Bacon bonbon

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) red onion, thinly sliced
• 90 mL (6 tbsp) maple syrup
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) white vinegar
• 5 ml (1 tsp.) Montreal steak spice blend
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cognac mushrooms

• 750 ml (3 cups) button mushrooms, cut into 4 pieces
• 60 ml (4 tbsp.) olive oil
• 60 ml (4 tablespoons) cognac
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ml (1 tbsp.) horseradish
• 60 ml (4 tbsp.) 35% cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices Fromage à raclette d'Ici
• Home fries
• Lettuce, tomatoes, etc...

Preparation

1. For the bacon bonbon, brown the bacon and onion in a saucepan for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden.
2. Add maple syrup, vinegar, Montreal steak spices and simmer until syrupy. Check seasoning. Set aside.
3. For the cognac mushrooms, sauté the mushrooms in a little oil in a hot pan over high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cognac and flambé (flambé on the outside for safety).
5. Add the garlic, horseradish and cream and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, until the cream has been absorbed by the mushrooms. Check seasoning.
6. Preheat oven, rack in center, to 220°C (425°F).
7. In a bowl, combine meat, breadcrumbs and yellow mustard. Shape into 4 steaks.
8. In a hot skillet (ridged if possible), sear steaks for 2 minutes on each side.
9. Add the cheese slices and continue cooking in the oven for 10 minutes.
10. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns.
11. Divide the creamy mushrooms, meat and bacon among the buns, then add tomatoes and lettuce of your choice.
12. Serve with home fries.