The HOT Date Night Blue Cheese Bacon Burger - Sutter Home Family Vineyards

Ingredients

• 3 slices thick cut applewood smoked bacon cut into 1/2 inch thick crosswise slices
• 1/3 cup chopped shallots
• 2 tablespoons apple brandy
• 1-1/2 cups rough chopped pitted dates
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons toasted walnut oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1 firm medium green apple, cored and julienned
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil for brushing grill
• 4 ounces good quality blue cheese, such as Maytag
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 2-1/4 pounds freshly ground chicken
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper