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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.
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2
Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
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3
Holding one fourth of beef in your palm, make a depression in beef and add one fourth of bacon to depression.
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4
Pull beef over bacon to enclose completely, then flatten into a 3/4-inch-thick patty (4 inches in diameter).
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5
Make 3 more patties in same manner with remaining beef and bacon.
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6
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas).
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7
Season patties on both sides with salt and pepper.
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8
Oil grill rack, then grill patties, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, 5 to 8 minutes total for medium-rare.
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9
(Burgers will continue to cook slightly after being removed from grill.
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10
).
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11
Assemble burgers with buns and with suggested accompaniments such as mayonnaise; mustard; iceberg lettuce; sliced tomatoes; dill pickles.
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12
NOTE 1: Patties can be formed up to 1 hour ahead and chilled, covered.
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13
NOTE 2: If you aren't able to grill outdoors, patties can be sauteed in 3 tablespoons bacon fat remaining in skillet (discard remainder) over medium-high heat, turning over once, 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare.
