Recipe: Caesar Salad Beef Burgers on Garlic Crostini

Caesar Salad Beef Burgers on Garlic Crostini
Makes 4 servings

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 Romaine lettuce leaves
1/4 cup freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic Crostini:
8 slices sourdough bread (about 4x3x1/2-inch)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, cut lengthwise in quarters

Combine ground beef, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties, shaping to fit the bread slices.

Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes to medium (160F) doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no pink color, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Meanwhile brush both sides of bread slices lightly with oil. Place bread around outer edge of grid. Grill a few minutes until lightly toasted, turning once. Remove bread slices from grid. Rub both sides of each slice with a garlic quarter.

Place one lettuce leaf on four of the bread slices; top each with a burger. Sprinkle evenly with cheese; cover with remaining bread slices. Cut burgers in half, if desired; arrange on lettuce-lined platter, if desired.

Cook's Tip: Use a vegetable peeler to quickly shave Parmesan cheese.

Source: National Beef Cook, America's Beef Producers
From: Jason Boulanger, Vermont