Stilton Sirloin Burgers with Onion Jam

• Recipe by Cocktails 2006

The Bar at the Peninsula • Chicago
During the daily Gentleman's Retreat Tea, these juicy mini cheeseburgers are served with a glass of The Peninsula’s house bourbon and a cigar.

Ingredients

2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
4. Kosher salt
5. 1 cup dry red wine
6. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
7. 2 teaspoons honey
8. 1 thyme sprig
9. Freshly ground pepper
10. 2 pounds ground sirloin
11. 4 ounces Stilton cheese, cut into 8 slices
12. 8 mini brioche or kaiser rolls, split
13. 4 Boston lettuce leaves, for serving

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat the oil. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the red wine, vinegar, honey and thyme and simmer, stirring, until the liquid has evaporated, 15 minutes. Season the onion jam with salt and pepper; discard the thyme.
2. Light a grill. Generously season the sirloin with salt and pepper. Mix gently, then shape into eight 1-inch-thick patties; season again with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers, turning once, until charred on the outside and pink within, about 3 minutes per side. Just before the burgers are done, top them with the Stilton. Transfer to a platter. Lightly grill the buns. Set the burgers on the buns. Top with the onion jam and lettuce and serve.