Popper Burgers

Makes 4 servings.

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup prepared thick and chunky salsa
4 frozen cream cheese or cheddar cheese-stuffed jalapeno peppers
4 hamburger buns, split, warmed
1/4 cup prepared salsa con queso
1/4 cup chopped fresh plum tomato
2 tablespoons sliced pitted ripe olives

1. Combine ground beef and 1/4 cup salsa in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four thin patties. Place one stuffed pepper in center of each patty; wrap beef around pepper to enclose, sealing seams and forming ball. Flatten balls into patties. Patties will be about 4 to 5 inches across and 1 inch thick.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 15 to 16 minutes to medium (160 degrees F) doneness, until beef is not pink in center, turning occasionally.

3. Serve in buns; top burgers with 1 tablespoon salsa con queso. Sprinkle evenly with tomatoes and olives.

Burger Basics: Use a gentle touch when shaping patties. Over-handling results in a firm compact texture. Always turn patties with a spatula, without pressing or flattening which causes loss of flavorful juices and results in dry burgers.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Washington State Beef Commission