Pretzel Roll Sliders

Green Tomato Bacon Jam flavors these sliders, tucked into soft pretzel buns and topped with guacamole and sharp cheddar. Your team will demolish a plate of these burgers.

Did you know one of the founding teams of the NFL was in Dayton Ohio?

One of the cool aspects of being a military family is the opportunity to explore new towns every few years. It seems that when you know you're only living in a region for a short time, you tend to dive right in and explore the new home.

Before moving to Dayton, I knew about the Wright brothers*, but I didn't know about Ermal Fraze (inventor of the pull tab that we all use to open cans--like a can of Ermal's Belgian style cream ale). I didn't know that mass production of the cash register started here. Nor did I know that the Dayton Triangles were one of the founding teams that started what is now known as the the NFL.

What does this have to do with these sliders? Well, honoring the spirit of Dayton inventors who left such a rich legacy, I developed a recipe for Green Tomato Bacon Jam. I've used this easy freezer jam in summertime burgers and, because I think it is a terrific use for green tomatoes, I'm calling your attention to the recipe via these sliders. Even if you don't get green tomatoes in your community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share, chances are good you'll know someone twiddling their thumbs over a pile of green tomatoes when the days shorten and frost threatens.

In addition to developing recipes to preserve the seasonal abundance, I want to share how I use these preserves all year long. [I don't know if I'll ever use Apple Fig Chutney as anything other than a condiment for Indian food like my Squash and Beef Masala, though.] So consider this another tickle in your brain to grab some green tomatoes in September and get jamming.

Other recipes (not one of them fried) that use green tomatoes can be found on my Green Tomato Recipe Collection, part of my Visual Recipe Index. For 106 more ideas on what to do with a pound of ground beef, see my Ground Beef Recipe Round Up.

Pretzel Roll Sliders (makes 10)

1 pound ground beef
½ cup green tomato bacon jam (my recipe is here, and if you're local I've got some to share)
2 teaspoons hamburger seasoning, steak seasoning, or salt & pepper
10 slider size pretzel buns (mine were from Costco)
To serve, sharp cheddar cheese and guacamole

In a large bowl mix beef, jam, and hamburger seasoning until well mixed. Using a scoop (this 3 Tablespoon scoop that I use for muffins works great this 3 Tablespoon scoop that I use for muffins works great--Amazon affiliate link) portion out 10 slider-size burgers. Preheat a skillet (or a grill) over medium high heat and cook the burgers until the juices run clear and your handy dandy Christmas present thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Top the burgers with a slice of cheese and set aside. Slice pretzel buns in half, allowing about an inch for the base. Spread guacamole on the bottom of the bun. Top with burger and the top of the bun. Squish it down (the pretzel buns are surprisingly soft) and enjoy.

*In fact, I now live a short walk from the house that Wilbur and Orville designed, though only Orville lived there. His shower was awesome.

This post is shared on What's Cookin' Wednesday