Whammin' Country Ham Jammin' Burgers

1 1/4 lbs ground beef
1/2 Tbl Worcestershire sauce
1/2 Tbl hot sauce
1/2 Tbl Italian seasoning
1/2 Tbl salt
1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
6 slices of good sharp cheddar
1/2 cup Country Ham Jam *see blog entry
mayo, lettuce, onion and tomato for dressing
a loaf of unsliced sandwich bread, cut into 12 thick "Texas Toast" type pieces

1. Mix first six ingredients in a large mixing bowl until just combined. Don't over mix or the burgers will be tough.
2. Divide beef into 6 patties. Make an indentation in the middle of each patty - this keeps it from poufing up and turning into a meatball on the grill.
3. Grill patties to desired doneness - here that means medium rare. So I give the first side six minutes on a medium grill (cover closed), then flip for another five minutes. For medium add two minutes per side. Only flip once and don't you dare squish your burgers with the spatula. I don't care how much you like the sizzle. What you're hearing is all the yummy juices hitting the flames and disappearing. It's the sound of a hockey puck about to go on your bun. Stop it.
   
4. Once the burgers are on the second side, spoon divided amounts of the Country Ham jam on top - a tablespoon or two. A minute before you pull them, add a slice of cheese to each. That lets everything meld together in goody lusciousness.
   
5. While the burgers are grilling, prep your bread. You can use plain burger buns, but honestly, grilled fat slices of white bread are better. There's nothing to it. When the burgers are done, pull them to a platter to rest. Simply pop the bread on the grill for a minute or two each side. 
6. To finish the burgers, simply top a slice of bread with some mayonnaise, lettuce, thinly sliced and a slice of tomato. Don't go crazy with the toppings - the country ham will take the place of  both bacon and pickles - it's got a fabulous salty-tangy flavor.

Beware - roll up your sleeves. This burger is purposefully designed to have juice running off your chin and down your elbows. Give yourself napkins - and clearance.