Honey Maple Brushed Bacon Burger (Paleo)

This picture really does say it all. This succulent burger with maple and honey brushed bacon is just the start. Add caramelized onions and a honey maple BBQ sauce to finish it off. These burgers are a sweet and savory crowd pleaser. So good (especially for post New Year munchies!)

Honey Maple Bacon

6 strips bacon
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon honey
Heat bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once you flip it, brush on the maple syrup and honey mixture. Cook the bacon, flipping and brushing to preference.

Tip: Lay strips out on parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Caramelized Onions

One large onion sliced
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Combine in a small skillet pan over low heat for about 20 minutes or until they are softened and the liquid is thickened

Burger
1 pound ground beef
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Combine everything in a bowl and form 2-3 equal sized burger patties. Cook the burgers in the same skillet with bacon grease on medium heat. About 5 minutes on each side for medium burgers.
Tip: Poke a hole in the center of each burger pattie, almost all the way through but not quite. This prevents the burger from shriveling up and losing size!

Honey Maple BBQ Sauce
1 can tomato sauce
½ can tomato paste
⅛ cup molasses
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup honey
1 cup maple syrup
¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
Combine in a sauce pan over medium low heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

FOR Non- Paleo

Tip: Add a couple sharp cheddar slices to this burger prior to topping with bacon, onion and sauce for another level of flavor.

Enjoy=)