Mexican Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 to teaspoon chopped jalapeno pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
• Salsa
• 4 hamburger buns

Directions

1. Combine ground chuck, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Shape the mixture into four patties, each 3/4-inch thick in the center and at the edges. (Even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents the edges from the drying out before the center is cooked).
2. Place the patties on the grill. Grill for 7 to 10 minutes per side, turning once. Make a small incision in the center of the each patty to determine doneness.
3. Toast the buns by placing them, split side down, on the edges of the grill grid for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
4. Remove the burgers from the grill. Serve on toasted buns with salsa and slices of ripe avocado.

Serves: 4

Test Kitchen Tip: According to the US Dept. of Agriculture, all ground meat should be cooked to at least medium doneness - 160 degrees - or until the center of the patty is no longer pink. Visit www.foodsafety.gov for more information.