Smoked Gouda and Bacon Burgers

Published in June 2012 Food and Wine Magazine in an article about the food served in Detroit's Corktown.  Credited to Brian Perrone at Slows BBQ.

Serves 4

Sweet Barbecue Sauce - makes 2 cups
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
salt
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 cup of ketchup
1/2 cup of dark brown sugar
1/2 cup of apple juice
3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons of peeled, chopped, fresh ginger
2 tablespoons of unsulfured molasses

Burgers
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 pound onion, halved and thinly sliced
salt
1/4 cup of hot sauce (we like Louisiana style)
1/4 cup of beef broth
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
8 slices of firm white sandwich bread
8 slices of thick-cut bacon
2 pounds of ground beef chuck
3 ounces of  smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

1. To prepare the sauce:  Heat the oil in a large skillet over a medium-low heat.  Add the onion and a pinch of salt.  Cover and cook until the onion is caramelized; about 20 minutes.  Add the butter,  brown sugar, apple juice, lemon juice, ginger, and molasses.  Simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened and reduced to 2 cups.  Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.  Season to taste with salt.
2. To make the burgers:  Heat the oil in a large skillet.  Add the sliced onion and saute until translucent and tender crisp.  Add the hot sauce and broth.  Remove from the heat and season with salt.
3.  Divide the beef into 4 patties, forming them to the size of the bread.
4.  Heat a griddle to a medium heat.  Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter.  Toast both sides on the griddle.  Remove and set aside.
5.  Grill the bacon slices until cooked and a bit crisp.  Remove to paper towel to drain.  Wipe the griddle clean.
6.  Raise the heat to medium-high.  Season the patties with salt and grill until nearly done.  Top each burger with a portion of the cheese.
7.  Set a burgers on the unbuttered sides of the bread.  Top with bacon, onion, sauce and another slice of bread.
8.  Serve with the offer of more sauce.