Burgers

1.  Combine the ground beef, blue cheese, Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic, salt and pepper. 
2. Create 8 patties (these are 1/4lb burgers), leaving an indentation in the middle with your thumb so they cook evenly on the grill.
3.  Prepare your grill for direct heat. If using a standard charcoal or gas grill, prepare to cook over the flame / heat source.
4. Cook the burgers, flipping midway through, until you’ve reached your desired internal temperature. I recommend using an internal read thermometer, like the Thermapen, to test internal temps so you’ll know when your meat is done.
5. While cooking the burgers, grill the peppers directly on your grill grates until they have developed char marks on both sides.
6. Remove the burgers and peppers and let them rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, toast the buns for just a few minutes on the grill and go and slice up your peppers.
7. To assemble burgers, add one patty to a bottom bun. Add mayo (if using) grilled red peppers, then tomato and arugula. Spread one heaping tablespoon of warm bacon jam on the top bun, close the sandwich and serve.

Slow Cooker Bacon Jam 

You can make this delicious jam ahead of time and slather it on everything! Use it as an appetizer by adding a dollop to a cracker spread with goat cheese. If you’re making jam to give away or to use as an appetizer for a group, go ahead double this recipe.

1. Cut the bacon in small pieces and then cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon starts to crisp —  about 20 minutes. 
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and discard all except 1 Tablespoon of the bacon fat. Cook the onion and garlic until translucent, scraping up the crispy bits.
3. Remove the onion mix and add it to a crockpot. 
4. Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 2-3 hours on high, or until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
5. Once the mixture cools, pulse it in a food processor or with a hand blender until it forms a smooth, consistent, paste-like texture. 
6. Spoon the mixture into a jar or other airtight container,  and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.