Surprise Seasonings : Beefing Up Burgers With Imagination

When you tire of the usual tried and true burger fixings, a pinch of imagination provides some alternate possibilities. Pepper-Stuffed Beef Patties include a surprise filling.

Seal the pepper and cheese inside by placing them on top of a burger-size portion of ground beef, then shape it around to form a patty. Grill to perfection using a brush-on sauce for extra flavor and juiciness.

PEPPER-STUFFED BEEF PATTIES

2 pounds ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

6 canned sweet cherry peppers

6 (3/4-ounce) slices American cheese

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1/3 cup liquid from canned sweet cherry peppers

6 hamburger buns

Combine ground beef, salt and pepper and divide into 6 equal portions and flatten. Cut peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and flatten.

Cut each slice cheese into 4 squares. Place 1 pepper and 4 stacked squares cheese on each portion of ground beef. Shape beef around pepper and cheese to form patty.

Combine barbecue sauce and pepper liquid. Brush patties with sauce mixture and grill over medium coals 10 minutes. Turn patties, brush with sauce and continue cooking 10 minutes or to desired doneness.

Brush patties with additional sauce and serve on hamburger buns. Makes 6 servings.