Magazine Monday

Summer is here and what goes better with the heat than a warm, tasty burger.  Well, this edition of Magazine Monday has a wonderful recipe for Cheddar Burgers with Red Onion Jam courtesy of the July 2009 edition of Cooking Light.  The onion jam actually surprised me in its simplicity but delivers such wonderful taste.  So fire up that grill and chow down on these wonderful burgers.

Cheddar Burgers with Red Onion Jam 

Ingredients

Jam:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 cups vertically sliced red onion
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Burgers:

• 3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound extra-lean groundbeef
• Cooking spray
• 4 (1/2-ounce) slices white cheddar cheese
• 4 (1 1/2-ounce) hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 teaspoons canola mayonnaise

Preparation

1. Prepare grill to medium-high heat.
2. To prepare jam, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. 
3. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in sugar, vinegar, and thyme. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until onion is very tender. Remove from heat.
4. To prepare burgers, combine oregano, salt, garlic powder, and beef. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
5. Place on grill rack coated with cooking spray; cook 2 minutes. Turn patties over. Place 1 cheese slice on each patty; cook 2 minutes or until done.
6. Spread cut sides of each bun with 1/2 teaspoon mayonnaise. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun; top each with 1/4 cup onion jam and bun top.