Chipotle Burger w/ Andouille & Caramelized Onions

Ingredients:

6    Large, soft hamburger buns

1 Cup    Shredded cheddar cheese Or 6 cheddar cheese slices

Fresh baby spinach, stems removed

1 jar  La Maison Signature Chipotle Cream Sauce

Burger Ingredients

1/2 lb    Andouille sausage, cut into scant 1/4 inch cubes or ground in processer

3/4 Cup    Pecans, toasted and chopped

1 tsp    Salt

1/4 tsp    Ground black Pepper

1/2 tsp    Garlic Powder

1 1/2 lbs    Ground beef chuck or ground beef (20% fat)

Caramelized Onion Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs    Sweet onions, thinly sliced

2 TBL    Olive oil (plus more for brushing grill rack)

3    Garlic cloves, minced

1 TBL    Light Brown Sugar

How to Prepare:

• Add the 6 burger ingredients in large bowl.
• Blend gently and form into 6 large patties.
• Note:  The burgers can be made up to a day ahead, covered and refrigerated.
• Bring to room temperature before cooking.
• Heat skillet on med/high heat, add olive oil and coat pan.
• Add onions, garlic, and brown sugar and cook—stirring often--until onions turn golden.
• Brush the grill rack with olive oil.  Grill buns, cut side down, until golden—approx. 2 minutes.
• Transfer buns to work station.
• Grill burgers until brown on bottom—approx. 3 min.  
• Turn over and top with cheddar cheese.
• Continue grilling until burgers are desired doness—about 3 min for medium.
• Place some onions, then the burger on each bun bottom.
• Top w/ spoonful of Chipotle Cream Sauce and fresh baby spinach.