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1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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2
In a medium bowl add 2 Tablespoons of chipotle or other spicy mustard and a generous pinch of salt to the ground beef.
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3
Using your hands, mix gently until everything is thoroughly combined.
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4
Roll meat into very small balls, roughly 1 1/2 inches across and set on a rimmed cookie sheet.
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5
(I got 16 out of my batch.)
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6
Press each ball down gently to slightly flatten .
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7
Bake for 10 minutes, remove and lay a small piece of cheese over each burger.
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8
Return to oven for 1-2 more minutes until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked through.
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9
While the burgers are cooking, spread a bit of mustard on buns (if you like), and cut the buns into 1-inch pieces.
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10
Prepare remaining ingredients and have everything ready when the burgers come out of the oven.
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11
Assemble burgers on toothpicks by stabbing some bread (mustard side down), then lettuce/spinach, then tomato, then a burger, then the other piece of bread (mustard side up).
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12
When you put them on a serving dish, press everything down a bit that will help them stand up.
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13
Makes 16 appetizers (serving about 8), or dinner for 4 people.
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14
Notes: An Italian version would be awesome, using some basil or sun-dried tomato pesto in the meat and topping them with mozzarella or provolone cheese, and a piece of roasted red pepper.
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15
Wouldnt it be fun to have a Burger Tasting party where everyone brought a different kind to share?
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16
The possibilities make my head spin...
