Bite of the Best

Sweet Hawaiian Mini Burgers

1 lb. ground beef
1 T Worcestershire sauce
4 canned pineapple slices, drained
12 mini Hawaiian sweet or small whole wheat dinner rolls, split
Lettuce

Sauce:
1/4 c barbecue sauce
1/4 c pineapple preserves
1 T packed brown sugar

Combine ground beef and Worcestershire sauce in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into twelve 1/2-inch thick mini patties. Set aside.

Combine sauce ingredients in small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 9 to 11 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile brush pineapple slices with sauce and place on grid around patties. Grill pineapple 4 minutes, turning once and brushing with additional sauce. Remove pineapple, keep warm. Brush burgers with remaining sauce after turning.

Cut each pineapple slice into thirds. Line bottom of each roll with lettuce, top with burger, then with pineapple piece. Close sandwiches.

Makes 4 servings

- recipe and photo courtesy of Iowa Beef Industry Council