Abilene Crave

Makes 4 servings
Total Recipe Time: 30 to 35 minutes

1     pound ground beef
1/4     cup grated Parmesan cheese
2     tablespoons minced green onions
1     teaspoon minced garlic
      Salt and pepper
4     slices rustic crusty bread, cut 1/2 inch thick
      Olive oil

Bruschetta Topping:
3/4     cup chopped red tomatoes
1/2     cup chopped yellow tomatoes
1     tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
1/4     teaspoon minced garlic
1/2     teaspoon salt
      Pepper   

Combine Bruschetta Topping ingredients in medium bowl; set aside.

Combine ground beef, cheese, green onions and garlic in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties.

Place patties in center of grid, over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 11 to 13 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 8 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile, brush both sides of bread slices with oil. About 3 minutes before burgers are done, place bread on grid. Grill until lightly toasted, turning once.

Season burgers with salt and pepper, as desired. Place 1 burger on each bread slice; top each with 1/4 cup Bruschetta Topping. Serve open-faced.

Cook's Tip:  Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Cook's Tip:  If using 95 percent lean ground beef, combine ground beef with 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs, 1 egg white and ingredients as directed in step 2.