Itty Bitty Burgers

• 1/2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
• 2 Tablespoons Spicy Mustard (any Kind) + More For Spreading
• 1 pinch Salt (generous)
• 2 slices Pepper Jack Cheese, Cut Into 1-inch Pieces
• 2 whole Hamburger Buns
• 6 whole Cherry Or Grape Tomatoes, Cut Into About 3 Slices Each
• 1/2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves, Cut Into 1-inch Pieces

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

ground beef, spicy mustard, salt, pepper, hamburger, whole cherry

Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/itty-bitty-burgers/ (may not work)