Secret Melty Cheddar Burger with Sauteed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

Burger:
1 pound of ground chuck
1 tsp italian seasoning
salt and pepper

Special Ketchup:
2 parts ketchup
1 part adobo sauce (from the chipotles in adobo can)

Mushroom Saute:
12 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
1 small shallot (or 1/4 of a red onion), diced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp thyme
salt and pepper
2 TBSP olive oil

Brioche Buns and 1 TBSP butter
4 Slices of Hot and Spicy Cheddar
4 slices of Sharp Cheddar

Directions:
1. Mix the meat with the seasonings and make 4 patties. Keep in the refrigerator while you prep the other ingredients
2. Mix the ketchup and adobo and set aside
3. Chop your mushrooms and add them to a pan with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Saute, stirring often for about 5-7 minutes or until soft.
4. Add the garlic. thyme, parsley, and onion. Saute for another 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.  Set aside
5. Heat a large cast iron pan to medium high heat and add just a bit of canola oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
6. Sear the burger on one side for 4 minutes. Flip. Sear on the second side for 3 minutes. Add a TBSP of mushroom saute on the top and then finish each burger with a slice of each cheese. Put a lid on the pan and lower the heat.  Cook another minute or two just until the cheese is melted.
7. Put the ketchup on the bottom of the burger bun. Set the burger on the bun and then throw the TBSP of butter in the cast iron pan.  Turn the heat up again and put the bun tops in the pan.  Put the lid on for 30-60 seconds to warm the bun. Top the burger and enjoy!

I served this with some oven potato planks. Slice 3 small idaho potatoes lengthwise in planks.  Let sit in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Remove from water and dry.  Season with season salt, pepper, cumin, and chipotle chili powder. Toss with canola oil.  Let sit on the tray for another 20 minutes and moisture will start to pull out of the potatoes.  Dab your sheet tray dry or carefully tilt the water off.  Put potatoes in a preheat 400 degree oven for 30 minutes (flip once at the 15 minute mark).  Reduce heat to 275 and leave in the oven for 10 more minutes.