1796. BEER and BEEF CHILI SLIDERS on BACON BISCUITS with TOMATILLO KETCHUP

yields eight servings


2 poblano chiles
8 slices bacon, chopped
one 8-ounce box Jiffy buttermilk biscuit mix
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped chives
1/4 cup yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
6 tomatillos—peeled, rinsed and chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
salt and pepper
3/4 pound ground beef chuck
3/4 pound ground beef sirloin
1/2 cup beer
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder (2 palmfuls)
2 tablespoons grill seasoning (2 palmfuls)
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika (1 palmful)
1 tablespoon ground cumin (1 palmful)
1 tablespoon ground coriander (1 palmful)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano (1/2 palmful)
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon grated peel plus the juice of 1 lime
shredded lettuce, for serving

Preheat the broiler. Arrange the chiles on a broiler pan and broil, turning occasionally, until blackened all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Peel and discard the stems and seeds.

While the chiles are broiling, in a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat; crumble the bacon.

Preheat the oven to 425°. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix with 1/2 cup water and whisk until a dough forms. Mix in the cheese, chives, mustard, honey, bacon and reserved bacon fat. Spoon 8 equal mounds of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden, 10 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack and let cool completely; split.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the tomatillos, onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the onions and tomatillos are softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the beef, beer, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, grill seasoning, paprika, cumin, coriander and oregano. Shape into 8 patties, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Add to the grill and cook, turning once, for 5 minutes for medium-rare.

Using a food processor, puree the tomatillo mixture, chiles, cilantro, lime peel and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

Top each biscuit bottom with a little shredded lettuce, a beef patty, some tomatillo ketchup and a biscuit top; secure with a toothpick.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Rachael Ray, Everyday with Rachael Ray, August 2009