Cherry Burgers

1. Place onion in a medium bowl, cover with ice water and let soak while you prepare burgers.

2. Preheat grill to medium (see Broiler Variation).

3. Place beef in a large bowl and gently mix in cherries, breadcrumbs, garlic, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into 1/2-inch-thick patties. Make a slight impression in the center of each. (This is so the patties cook evenly and don't puff up.)

4. Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the patties until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 degrees F, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

5. Toast English muffins. Drain the onions. Assemble the burgers on the English muffins with onion slices, lettuce and about 1 tablespoon Cherry Ketchup each. Broiler variation: Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray. Broil patties 3 to 4 inches from the heat source until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 degrees F, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Tips:
Note: We like Ian's brand labeled "Panko breadcrumbs." Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets. To make your own, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F until crispy, about 15 minutes. One slice of fresh bread makes about 1/3 cup dry crumbs.

Tip: To oil a grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel and use tongs to rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.

Cherry Ketchup
Combine pitted cherries, dried cherries, vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, ginger, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon and cayenne in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel. Holding lid securely in place, blend until smooth. (Use caution when blending hot liquids.) Transfer the ketchup to a small bowl.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.