Wait … Jam on a Burger?
Now in our seventh decade, my siblings and I – who all live a drive or a flight away – do a pretty good job of keeping tabs on one another, often through group texts. Sometimes the conversations are serious, but more often, we find plenty of humor in our lives.
During a recent text chain about everyone’s plans for the Fourth of July weekend, the conversation quickly turned to what would be “on our plates.” My brother Steve mentioned that his daughters had requested another round of his infamous Razmanian Burger.
Wait … his what?
After a quick call to learn more, Steve sent me the ingredient list and assembly instructions. Naturally, I had to try one – and who knew raspberry jam could taste so good on a burger?
Then again, we grew up eating the Peanut Butter Pizza created at John’s original pizza restaurant in Ridgecrest, long before John’s Incredible Pizza became a chain. So, unusual flavor combinations are nothing new to us.
Since we will celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on September 18th, here’s something deliciously different for you to try: the Razmanian Burger!
Ingredients – for each burger:
- 1 hamburger patty
- 1 hamburger bun
- 1 slice Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 slices bacon, cooked to your desired crispness
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Grill the jalapeño until tender and lightly charred. Slice into thin coins and set aside.
Cook the bacon until crisp and reserve. - Grill the hamburger patty to your preferred doneness. During the final minute of cooking, add the Pepper Jack cheese and allow it to melt over the patty.
- Lightly toast the bun if desired.
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both the top and bottom bun. Add raspberry jam to taste, mixing slightly with the mayonnaise as you spread.
- Place the cheeseburger on the bottom bun and top with the bacon and grilled jalapeño coins.
- Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes from the Chef:
The mayonnaise and raspberry jam create the signature flavor profile of the Razmanian Burger, so don’t be timid with either ingredient on your first attempt. The jalapeño plays an important supporting role, adding balance and contrast to the sweetness of the jam. Start with the quantities listed, then adjust the heat and sweetness to suit your taste on future burgers.
The mayonnaise and raspberry jam create the signature flavor profile of the Razmanian Burger, so don’t be timid with either ingredient on your first attempt. The jalapeño plays an important supporting role, adding balance and contrast to the sweetness of the jam. Start with the quantities listed, then adjust the heat and sweetness to suit your taste on future burgers.