Midwest Bacon Burgers

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onion, very finely chopped
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
4 slices thick cut bacon
4 large hamburger buns, lightly toasted

* 4 slices tomatoes
* 4 leaves lettuce
* 4 slices kraft singles cheese
* grilled onion
* jalapeno
* A-1 Steak Sauce
* barbecue sauce

(Any other favorite toppings or condiments etc.)

1. Combine the ground beef, onion, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke in a medium bowl and mix well.

2. The mixture should be soft, yet hold its shape.

3. Add up to 1/2 cup bread crumbs if mixture will not come together.

4. Mix with your hands-- like a man should!

5. Add any other seasonings you think would add to the flavor.

6. Suggestions: minced garlic, seasoned salt, cayenne, etc.

7. Mix well.

8. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties that are about the diameter of the buns you'll be using.

9. This should make them fairly thin and large.

10. Wrap a slice of bacon around the center of each patty and secure with toothpicks.

11. Chill in refrigerator at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to chill and firm up the patties.

12. Bring patties up to room temperature while preparing a hot fire in grill.

13. Throw on a few water-logged mesquite wood chunks and grill the burgers to your liking, removing the toothpicks before turning over.

14. While the burgers are on the grill, lightly toast the buns under the broiler or on the grill.

15. Be sure you have the large hamburger buns, like good onion buns, not those pussy ones like you see in McDonald's happy meals.