4th of July Recipes

The 4th of July is almost here! That means backyard parties, cookouts, and fireworks. But this year, we want to help you amp up your backyard party. Good food makes for good parties, and we all know that bacon makes for good food. So we've got an awesome bacon jam for you to try on your burgers this 4th of July! And, if you want a little extra kick, we've included a recipe for some delicious Chipotle Aioli to spread on too.

Burger Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
2. Heat coals in a charcoal grill until they glow bright orange and ash over. Brush the burgers with the oil. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip over the burgers. Cook burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese; see step 3) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. 
3. Add the cheese, if using, to the tops of the burgers during the last minute of cooking to melt the cheese.

Bacon Jam Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium yellow onions, cut into smallish dice
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, or less to taste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towel-lined plates to drain.
2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet and reserve for another use. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the coffee, vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, for 2 minutes. Add the bacon and stir to combine.
3. If making this on a stove-top, reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If making this in a slow-cooker, transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow-cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
4. Let the bacon concoction cool slightly before transferring it to a food processor and pulsing until coarsely chopped. Spoon the bacon jam into individual jars or other resealable containers and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Transfer to a pan and rewarm gently over low heat prior to indulging. 

Chipotle Aoili Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder or chipotle hot sauce
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise with chives, garlic, lime juice, and chipotle chile powder or chipotle hot sauce to taste.
2. Season with salt and pepper; chill until ready to serve.