“When I began working for the Food Network about 17 years ago, it was new and had no money. If you couldn’t get there by subway, you couldn’t be on it,” says chef F&W's Top Ten Burger Recipes
Salsa
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 chipotle chile in adobo, seeded and minced
3 plum tomatoes, finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Salt
Cheese Sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Burgers
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
Vegetable oil, for brushing
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Sliced pickled jalapeños and blue corn tortilla chips, for topping
MAKE THE SALSA
In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt.
MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook over moderate heat for 30 seconds. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until smooth and thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in the Jack cheese until melted, then stir in the pecorino; season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce cool until it is very thick and spreadable.
MAKE THE BURGERS
Light a grill. Form the beef into 4 patties and brush with oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill over moderately high heat until browned outside and medium within, about 4 minutes per side.
Place the burgers on the buns. Top with the cheese sauce, salsa, pickled jalapeños and chips. Close the burgers and serve.
