HALF OF HALF MESQUITE RECIPES

Steps:

• Make the rub: in a bowl, combine all the rub ingredients; set aside.
• Chickens: remove and discard the neck, giblets, and any excess fat from the chickens.
• Rinse the chickens, inside and out, under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
• Remove the backbones and cut each chicken in half.
• Coat each chicken half thoroughly with the rub, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
• Make the sauce: in a small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together along with ½ cup water.
• Follow your grill’s instructions for using wood chips; grill the chicken halves skin side up, over Indirect Medium heat until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 170° in the breast and 180° in the thickest part of the thigh, about 1 ¼ hours.
• Remove from the grill and loosely cover with foil; let rest for about 5 minutes before cutting the halves in two.
• Serve warm with the sauce on the side.

Steps:

• Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl gently combine the ground chuck, cumin, pepper, and 1½ teaspoons salt. Shape into four patties of equal size, each about ¾ inch thick. With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a shallow indentation about 1 inch wide in the center of the patties to prevent them from forming a dome as they cook. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.
• Prepare a two-zone fire for high heat (450° to 550°F).
• In a medium skillet over medium heat on the stove, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a medium bowl. Brush the tomatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
• Brush the cooking grate clean. Drain and add half of the wood chips to the charcoal and put the lid on the grill. When smoke appears, place the tomato halves, cut side up, over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook until the tomato juices are bubbling and the skins split, about 12 minutes. Remove from the grill. Remove and discard the tomato skins and roughly chop the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, chile, and lime juice to the onion mixture. Season with salt. Set aside.
• Drain and add the remaining wood chips to the charcoal and put the lid on the grill. When smoke appears, cook the patties over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to medium doneness (160°F), 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. During the last minute of cooking time, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt and toast the rolls, cut side down. Remove from the grill. Build each burger on a bun with a patty and the salsa. Serve warm.