Denver Date Burger - ground beef

Method

• * If you are grinding your own beef (which you should) get a good quality beef with about 80% lean to 20% fat (I might go a bit less on the fat, but this is a good ratio for me). Sometimes I choose short ribs or will mix something like chuck with some bacon. Cut the meat into small cubes and place on a baking sheet in the freezer until it starts to get firm (if you are really geeky you can chill the grinder, bowl, etc too). Grind twice through the larger hole attachment, chilling in between if it warms up. Chill until ready to use, salting/mixing/forming at the last minute.
• Heat water and soak dates until soft. Meanwhile, char peppers over grill or under broiler until blackened all over. Place in a bowl with plastic wrap to steam. Use the back of a knife to scrape most of the charred skin off as well as the seeds and ribs. Coarsely chop. Blend with mayo, scrape into bowl and rinse out blender. Can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the refrigerator.
• Heat bacon over medium low heat and render slowly until beginning to brown, but not quite crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a bowl and pour bacon fat into a small bowl. Return 2 tablespoons fat to pan and cook onions with a bit of salt until golden brown.
• Blend dates, water, bacon and onions until smooth, adding another tablespoon of bacon fat toward the end. Pour back into pan and cook over medium heat until thickened and darker in color. Turn off heat, stir in vinegar and adjust for salt. Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Heat nonstick pan to medium and add 1/4 cheese. Add a sprinkle of aleppo or black pepper if desired. Cook until edges are just starting to brown. Flip with a spatula and cook a minute or so more. Drain on paper towel and repeat with remaining cheese.
• Remove meat from fridge and heat grill over high heat. Add a teaspoon of salt and some pepper and mix meat to incorporate. Form into 4 patties. Grill to your preference. To assemble, spread the bacon date mix on the bottom bun, top with the burger, cheese tuille, lettuce and poblano mayo. Enjoy.