Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef chuck
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
  • 12 ounces blue cheese
  • 4 large whole wheat buns, split in half
  • Desired condiments, such as sliced tomatoes, romaine, sliced onions
  • Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise, recipe follows
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 teaspoons drained green peppercorns, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

  • Preheat a gas or charcoal grill.
  • (Alternately, cook the patties in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • In a bowl, combine the beef, garlic, salt, pepper, and Essence, and mix gently but thoroughly.
  • Divide into 8 equal patties.
  • In a separate bowl, crumble the cheese and form into 4 equal patties.
  • Place 1 cheese patty on each of 4 beef patties.
  • Top with remaining 4 beef patties, pinching the edges under to seal the cheese completely.
  • Place the stuffed patties on the grill and cook to desired temperature, about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • (Alternately, cook the patties in a large skillet over medium-high heat.)
  • Place the buns on the grill, inside down, until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
  • Remove the patties and buns from the grill and place on serving plates.
  • Garnish with condiments and serve with the Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the egg, vinegar, and mustard, and process on high speed for 30 seconds.
  • With the machine running, add the oil through the feed tube and process until it forms a thick emulsion.
  • Add the peppercorns and pulse until well blended.
  • Adjust seasoning, to taste.
  • Transfer to a decorative bowl and serve with the Blue Cheese-stuffed Hamburgers.
  • Yield: about 1 1/4 cups