The New Englandah Burger

Ingredients

• 1 pound 80-85% lean Black Angus ground beef
• 1/4 cup Pure New England maple syrup, plus more for basting
• 4 thick slices applewood smoked bacon
• 1 MacIntosh apple
• 4 slices Vermont cheddar cheese
• 2 Bulkie rolls
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 bottles blueberry beer

Method 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well using your hands. Form into 2 8-ounce patties. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the bacon on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. Peel and slice the apple. Place in small bowl and sprinkle lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning.
3. Place the apple slices on grill and cook for about one minute on each side. Remove and set aside.
4. Grill the burgers over high heat, turn after 3 or 4 minutes and move to a cooler part of the grill. Drizzle some maple syrup over the burgers as they cook. Toast the buns as the burgers cook.
5. When the burgers are cooked to your liking, take two slices or more of bacon and place on top of each burger. Arrange some apple slices on top of the bacon.
6. Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger, cover the grill and let melt for about a minute.
7. Place the burgers on the buns.
8. Serve with blueberry beer.