buffalo apple burgers with sage-jalapeño pesto

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

ground buffalo (also called bison)

small apple, peeled and grated (see my note below) - I used a fuji apple

1/2 tbsp

balsamic vinegar

1 tsp

dijon mustard

1/2 tbsp

fresh sage, minced

1/2 tsp

sea salt

fresh ground pepper

smoked blue cheese (also called Blue Haze) to top the burgers - if you can't find smoked blue cheese, a Danish blue will work well

mini Brioche buns

jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed, cut into large pieces

1 cup

fresh sage, loosely packed

garlic clove, peeled

1/4 cup

extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp

freshly grated Parmesan (optional, but tasty)

salt and pepper