Pork, Apple and Walnut Sliders

These mini pork burgers combine a blend of sweet and spicy flavours and nutritious walnuts. Top with your favourite condiments or a generous mound of chutney or onion jam.

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1 cup (250 mL) bread crumbs
2 tsp (10 mL) dried tarragon
1 tsp (5 mL) ground allspice
1 tsp (5 mL) ground nutmeg
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground black pepper
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cloves
1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped onion
1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped dried apple
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped walnuts 
2 cloves garlic, minced  
3 tbsp (45 mL) water
2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 lb (500 g) ground pork
16 small dinner rolls (or two 24-inch baguettes, sliced into 8 equal portions, then sliced horizontally)

In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, tarragon, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, pepper and cloves. Whisk to combine.

Add onion, apple, walnuts, garlic, water, maple syrup and egg and stir until evenly combined.

Add pork and mix gently by hand until all ingredients are incorporated, without overmixing.

Divide mixture into 16 equal portions.  Form into thick patties, about 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) thick and 2-1/2 inches (6.3 cm) in diameter.

Grill patties on medium-high heat until cooked to preferred doneness.  Serve in small dinner rolls or between baguette slices with desired condiments.

Makes 16 servings.

Tip: Substitute pork with ground chicken, if desired.

PER SERVING (1 slider): about 206 cal, 10 g pro, 10 g fat (3 g sat. fat), 21 g carb, 2 g fibre, 34 mg chol, 339 mg sodium. %RDI: 5% calcium, 11% iron, 0% vit A, 1% vit C.