Route 66 Chili-Spiked Burgers with Cherry Cola Caramelized Onions & Fried Green Tomatoes - Sutter Ho

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chuck beef
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ancho chili pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cocoa powder
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2/3 cup drained roasted red peppers (taken from jar)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 3 Tablespoons cola beverage
• 3 Tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (taken from jar)
• 1 pound sweet onions, halved and thin sliced
• 1 Tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 3 to 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 to 3 cups fried onions (taken from can), finely crushed
• 1 extra large green tomato, sliced into six 1/4" thick slices*
• 3 Tablespoons Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for brushing on grill racks)
• 4 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 6 quality deli-style hamburger buns, split
• 6 green leaf lettuce leaves