Beef Sliders stuffed with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

Directions

1. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and sauté bacon until just cooked but not crisp.  

2. Add shallots and cook until translucent.  Add mushrooms and continue cooking until water evaporates, about 5 minutes.  

3. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and let cool.  Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and egg to mixture.  Add beef and gently mix by hand until all ingredients are incorporated, without overmixing.  

4. Divide mixture into 16 equal portions.  Form into thick patties, about 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) thick and 2-1/2 inches (6.3 cm) in diameter, tucking a piece of cheese and 2 walnut halves into the centre of each patty.  

5. Grill patties on medium-high heat until cooked to preferred doneness.  Serve in small dinner rolls or between baguette slices with desired condiments.

Tip: If omitting bacon, increase olive oil to 2 tsp (10 mL).  A pinch of sweet smoked paprika will bring back the bacon’s smoky flavour, if desired.

Nutrition per serving (1 slider): about 249 cal, 12 g pro, 15 g fat (6 g sat. fat), 17 g carb, 1 g fibre, 37 mg chol, 457 mg sodium. %RDI: 8% calcium, 13% iron, 2% vit A, 1% vit C.

Recipe courtesy of California Walnut Commission. For more walnut recipes please visit www.walnutinfo.com