Southwest Turkey Burgers/Sliders

  We tend to like big flavors in our house, be they hot or savory.  Chipotle has really become a favorite of late and garlic, pepper-jack and red pepper have been on the menu for as long as I can remember, so the idea behind this recipe has kinda been floating around my head for a while.  Add to that, the fact that I have been trying to reduce my red meat intake, and here you go.  Enjoy.

1 loaf french bread, cut into 1" slices                          
16 oz Ground Turkey                                  
3 Chipotle peppers, diced (from can)                
1 tbsp Black Pepper                                        
11/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes                                
4-8 slices Turkey Bacon, cut in half            
Iceberg Lettuce

Colby or Pepper-jack Cheese
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
1/2 med onion, diced
2 tbsp. Chili Powder
2 tsp Adobo sauce from Chipotles
1 tbsp Garlic Power
1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tbsp Kosher Salt
2 egg yolks
1-2 tbsp Olive Oil

• Heat oven to 250F
• Cook bacon until done. Set aside. Reserve any drippings.
• Mix everything except cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, bread and bacon in bowl. Mix well.
• Form into 4-6 patties for burgers, 6-8 for sliders.
• Add olive oil to drippings in pan. Heat oil.
• Add burgers to pan making sure not to overcrowd. Cook until well browned on both sides and 165F.
• Remove patties from pan, place on baking sheet, top with sliced cheese, place in oven until cheese melts.
• Top bread with mayo, lettuce, tomato, bacon and burger.
• Enjoy!!!