Bacon And Date Goat Cheese Burgers

• 2-3/4 cups fresh baby spinach, divided
• 1 package (8 ounces) pistachios, shelled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 package (5.3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, chopped
• 6 brioche hamburger buns, split
• 1/2 pound maple-flavored bacon strips, cooked
• 1 medium red onion, sliced

1. Place 2 cups spinach, pistachios, lemon juice, garlic, pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Add goat cheese; process until blended. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream to reach a spreadable consistency. Refrigerate until serving.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef and dates, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 1/2-in.-thick patties. Place burgers on an oiled grill rack or in a greased 15x10x1-in. pan. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-5 in. from heat until a thermometer reads 160u0b0, 4-5 minutes per side. Grill buns, cut sides down, over medium heat until toasted.
3. Top bun bottoms with remaining spinach, burgers, red onion and bacon. Spread 4 teaspoons goat cheese mixture over cut side of each bun top; place on burger. Cover and refrigerate remaining goat cheese mixture; save for another use.

baby spinach, pistachios, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper, salt, pepper, goat cheese, olive oil, ground beef, dates, hamburger buns, maple, red onion

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bacon-and-date-goat-cheese-burgers/ (may not work)