For those who may be wondering what this article has to do with real estate – my answer is “I’m not really sure”! I just thought it would be fun to share something other than real estate information.

I don’t cook often, but when I do I have a few favorite recipes that I like to make. The Dr. Pepper Hamburgers are at the top of my list! I can’t remember where I found the recipe – but full disclosure here – I did not create it myself. They are simply something I like to make and my family enjoys.

The recipe is below. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

INGREDIENTS

• COFFEE RUB SEASONING MIX:
• 5 Tbsp ground coffee
• 1/2 Tbsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 Tbsp coriander

• DR PEPPER BBQ SAUCE:
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic roughly minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 6oz Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1tsp  ancho chile powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3Tbsp brewed coffee

• BURGERS:
• 2 lbs Angus ground beef 85/15
• 2 Tbsp Dr Pepper BBQ sauce
• salt and pepper
• Pretzel buns
• Arugula lettuce
• 8 slices peppered bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine coffee rub seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and mix together with a fork. Set aside.
2. Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add remaining sauce ingredients, stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes (or longer), until sauce has thickened.
4. Pour sauce into blender or food processor and puree. Set aside to cool.
5. To a mixing bowl, add ground beef, salt, pepper and 2 Tbsp cooled bbq sauce. Mix well with your hands. Divide into 4 equal sections. Each burger will be 1/2 pound.
6. Rub coffee rub seasoning mix over both sides of each burger.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, add a small pat of butter and toast the pretzel buns (sliced side down). Remove from pan to cool.
8. Add 1 Tbsp butter to skillet and add burgers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until burger is cooked to desired doneness.
9. Spread BBQ sauce over both sides of pretzel bun, layer arugula, burger, peppered bacon, then add the top bun.

A few additional notes:

• I like to cook them in a cast iron pan on the grill.
• If you use bacon, make sure it is crispy.
• I personally think the pretzel bun is “too much bread” so I substitute with a smaller roll.