Backyard Big South-of-the-Border Burgers

Makes 6 servings

4-oz. can chopped green chiles, drained

1/4 c. picante sauce

12 round buttery crackers, crushed

4-1/2 t. chili powder

1 T. ground cumin

1/2 t. smoke-flavored cooking sauce

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

2 lbs. lean ground beef

1/2 lb. ground pork sausage

6 slices Pepper Jack cheese

6 sesame seed hamburger buns, split

Garnish: lettuce leaves, sliced tomato

In a large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix well. Form into 6 patties. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until no longer pink in the center. Top with cheese. Grill until cheese is melted. Grill buns, cut-side down, for one to 2 minutes, until toasted. Serve burgers on buns, garnished as desired.

Hosting a barbecue will guarantee a big turnout of friends & neighbors! Load grills with chicken, ribs, brats, burgers and hot dogs, then ask guests to bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share. Add a game of softball and it’s a winner!