Hawaiian Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

• ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 18 miniature whole wheat buns

• Baby spinach leaves

• 3 Lower sodium bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

• Sliced jalapeno peppers, optional

Directions

1. Drain pineapple, reserving juice and 1-1/2 cups pineapple (save remaining pineapple for another use). In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup reserved crushed pineapple, pepper and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 18 patties; place in two 11-in. x 7-in. dishes.

2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, pepper flakes and reserved pineapple juice. Pour half of marinade into each dish; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning once.

3. Drain and discard marinade. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack.

4. Grill patties, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear.

5. Grill buns, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with spinach, remaining pineapple, bacon and jalapeno peppers if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

*Note: If miniature whole wheat buns are not available, you can also use whole wheat hot dog buns cut into thirds.

Nutrition Facts: Serving: 3 sliders; 350 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 444 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 27 g protein.

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.

Servings 6 or 18 sliders