PORK BURGERS WITH SASSY BARBECUE SAUCE

Pork Burgers with Sassy Barbecue Sauce image

These thick, juicy burgers will appeal to everyone-even your spicy-phobic friends. The sauce tastes wonderful on chops or ribs as well.-Alisa Funk, Kansas City, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1-1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
12 center-cut bacon strips
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2-1/4 pounds ground pork
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
6 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
3 cups fresh arugula

Steps:

Place the first seven ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Set aside. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings., Saute onion in drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add cherry mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the pork, pepper and salt. Shape into six patties., Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear., Top with cheese; cover and grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve on buns with arugula, bacon and sauce mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 785 calories, Fat 41g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 157mg cholesterol, Sodium 1541mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 48g protein.