Embrace Your Inner Hillbilly

I think each of us, somewhere deep down inside, in places we don't talk about at parties, we have a little bit of "hillbilly". I don't care how sophisticated you think you are, I bet given certain circumstances you can "redneck" it up w/ the best of 'em! Last summer while driving back from Florida to Indiana, my parents decided to take the "long way" home and enjoy some time in our southern states sightseeing. Well, to be honest, mom can't really sight see w/o shopping too! And God bless her, b/c I can't either, so I know where I get it from. Small country stores, gift shops, it doesn't matter, if you can browse the aisles and find something to buy, she's there! In one small shop in Tennessee, she found the perfect souvenir for Adam, who isn't the easiest person to shop for- something called "Ole Smoky Extra Hot Hillbilly Caviar". Basically, it's a relish consisting of bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and cabbage in a vinegar/sugar solution. And w/ the words "extra hot" mom knew Adam would love it; and she was right! He has been using it ever since on anything he can think of. Luckily they also have a milder version that I enjoy too. Now here is the funny part: This hillbilly caviar is made by Ole Smoky Distillery, home of the Ole Smoky Moonshine!! Who doesn't love a good ole moonshine?? I will let the people of Ole Smoky Distillery tell you all about themselves~

"Our families were among the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains - they came to the
Smokies through Virginia and North Carolina. They honed the art of whiskey making in order
to survive during tough economic times. Most families from this area share a history of a family member making, running or selling whiskey. Today, the true moonshiners and bootleggers still consider it taboo to tell stories or brag about moonshine glory. Because of the consequences, talking about your craft or trade was something you just didn’t do.

When Tennessee state law recently changed to allow the distillation of spirits, we saw an opportunity to showcase the art of superior mountain-made moonshine. The Ole Smoky recipes are the product of the hard work and experience of local families who have made moonshine in the mountains for the last two
hundred years.

Ole Smoky is the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee.
This is a local family business. Our whiskey is born in the fertile soil of East Tennessee farms where our corn is raised and then transported to our family’s mill to be ground for Tennessee’s original moonshine. At the distillery, you can see the grains converted into the clear corn liquor this part of the country is famous for." {From the Ole Smoky Website}

So when I was coming up w/ another recipe using Adam's new favorite condiment, I contacted the nice folks at Ole Smoky and they were nice enough to provide us w/ new jars of both the Extra Hot and Mild versions; and to provide some for one lucky fan to win too! (See below for entry) So, go ahead, accept your inner hillbilly, make this burger, and heck, even drink some moonshine, nobody will judge you!

Hillbilly Burgers
Makes 4 burgers
2 lbs. ground beef
2 TBS grated white onion
2 TBS grill seasoning, plus extra for sprinkling
4 onion buns
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4-8 TBS Mild or Extra Hot Hillbilly Caviar, to taste (I figure 1-2 TBS per burger)
Mustard

Preheat grill to medium. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion and grill seasoning. Gently mix until combined. Separate the meat into 4 equal portions. Using a burger press, or your hands, form 4 patties. Be sure to leave an indentation in the center of each b/c this will help burgers to remain flat while cooking. Sprinkle each patty w/ extra grill seasoning. Spray grill w/ cooking spray and place patties over indirect heat. Cook 5-6 minutes on the first side until you see juices coming to the top. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium. Just before done, add cheese and allow to melt.  (Adjust these times for your grill) Spread mustard on each side of bun, place hamburger on bottom half. Top w/ "caviar" and other half of bun.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Apr. 30, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box May 1, 2012
Shared on Chef in Training May 1, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook May 4, 2012

Burgers at Very Good Recipes
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Now for the Giveaway!!!

Rules:

1. This contest is open to US Residents 18 and older ONLY.

2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org 

3. The winner will be notified by email and Facebook. He/she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

4. When leaving comments for entries, they MUST BE SEPARATE ones AND include an email address so it's easy for me to find the winner. If entries are together, it will only count as (1) and if no email, entry will not be considered.

5. If any of the extra entries are items you are already doing, please just remind me!

6. Contest Ends: Monday May 14, 2012 12am EST

One Lucky Winner Will Receive

(1) Jar Extra Hot Hillbilly Caviar

(1) Jar Mild Hillbilly Caviar

  
Mandatory Entry:

1. Leave me a comment telling me what you MUST have on your burgers.

Extra Entries:

1. Like Ole Smoky on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you've done so.

2. Visit the Ole Smoky Website and tell me a product you would like to try.  Leave a comment when you've done so.

3. Follow EMM through GFC, Linky Followers, or Networked Blogs. Homepage, left hand side. Leave a comment when you have.

4. Follow EMM on Twitter. Leave a comment when you are.

5. Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment.

6. Like EMM on Facebook. Leave a comment when you have.

That makes up to 7 entries per person!!!

Good Luck!