Make These Healthier Burgers Now!

Half the fun of a party is the nosh, so we put together a bite that feels decadent but is built on healthier choices: the Bison Bourbon Cheese Slider.

Because it uses lean bison meat, it’s packed with protein but won’t pack on pounds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground bison
• 2 tsp. bourbon
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 large shallots, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ground cracked black pepper to taste
• 6 slices of drunken goat cheese or Manchego cheese
• 6 English muffins
• sprigs of fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced

Preparation
1 Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Stir in onions; cook until tender. Add garlic. Sweat for two minutes, remove and cool.

2 In a large bowl, combine meat, bourbon, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, shallots and garlic. Be careful not to overmix. Using your hands, form six small patties, and indent the centers.

3 Place patties on a well-oiled grill top or fry pan. Cook four minutes on one side, flip, and add slices of cheese. Cover and cook an additional three minutes (or until cheese is melted). Remove from heat. Now, grill the English muffins (and, for optional added flavor, rings of sliced onion) on the same surface you used to cook the burgers.

4 To plate, layer the bottom bun with avocado slices, cilantro and a dollop of Bourbon Sauce. Add a patty, another dollop of sauce and onions. Add the top of muffin, insert a large pick and serve.

For the Bourbon/ketchup Sauce

• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcester
• 1 tbsp balsamic reduction
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp bourbon. Taste first.