Blt Burgers



1/2 pound bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 pound lean ground beef chuck
4 hamburger buns, split and grilled
Accompaniments: mayonnaise; mustard; iceberg lettuce; sliced tomatoes; dill pickles

1. Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, then transfer with a slotted spatula to paper towels to drain. Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
2. Holding one fourth of beef in your palm, make a depression in beef and add one fourth of bacon to depression. Pull beef over bacon to enclose completely, then flatten into a 3/4-inch-thick patty (4 inches in diameter). Make 3 more patties in same manner with remaining beef and bacon.
3. Season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Oil grill rack, then grill patties, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, 5 to 8 minutes total for medium-rare. Assemble burgers with buns and accompaniments.

Yield: 4 Servings