Kerry Simon's Ultimate Burger Recipe

Directions:

1. In a skillet, render the sliced bacon. Remove cooked bacon from pan and drain on paper towels, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms, garlic and shallots to the same pan and cook about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat to cool.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground chuck, oil, beer, celery leaves, minced bacon, thyme and salt and pepper. Shape into patties. Grill the burgers to your desired doneness.
3. Cut the brioche into slices that are about the same size as the patties and toast until golden brown.
4. Add cheese, if using, to the burgers to melt. Top each burger with bacon, sautéed mushroom mixture and tomato slices, and place between slices of toasted brioche.