SLICE TOMATO FOR BURGER RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450° F. Slice a thin piece from the rounded bottom of each tomato so they sit upright. Slice each tomato in half horizontally. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, on a shallow roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with the oil, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Scatter the garlic over the tomatoes. Roast until they're softened and warmed through, about 15 minutes. (Underripe tomatoes may take 5 to 15 minutes longer.) Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into six 1/2-inch-thick slices. Using a spatula, sandwich each cheese slice between 2 hot tomato halves. The heat of the tomatoes will melt the cheese slightly. Drizzle with any juices that collected in the roasting pan and garnish with the basil.Tip: To slice a soft cheese such as fresh mozzarella easily, first freeze it for 30 minutes. Bring the slices to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

Steps:

• Slice 8 large rounds from the edges of the head of iceberg to create buns. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving bacon fat in pan. Add onion slices and cook until tender, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside red onions and wipe skillet clean. Return skillet over medium-high heat. Shape ground beef into 4 large burger patties. Season both sides of patties with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook until seared on both sides and cooked to your liking, about 4 minutes per side for medium. Top each burger with a slice of cheese, then cover skillet with a lid and cook until cheese has melted, about 1 minute more.  To build each burger, top one iceberg round with the cooked cheeseburger, a slice of bacon, and a tomato slice, then drizzle with ranch. Top with second iceberg round. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve.