• Before starting, preheat the broiler to high.
• Wash and dry all produce.
• Core, then cut apple into 1/2-inch wedges.
• Halve tomatoes.
• In a small bowl, stir mayo and half the mustard together. Set aside.

• To a medium bowl, add pork, garlic puree, panko and 1/4 tsp (1/2 tsp) salt. (TIP: If you prefer more tender patties, add an egg to mixture.) 
• Season with pepper, then combine.
• Form mixture into two 4-inch-wide patties (4 patties for 4 servings).
• Cut strips in half crosswise.
• Heat a large non-stick pan over medium. When hot, add bacon. Cook for 5-7 min, flipping occasionally, until crispy.**
• Remove from heat. Using tongs, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. 
• Discard bacon fat from the pan.
• Carefully wipe the pan clean. 

• Heat the same pan (from step 2) over medium-high. 
• When hot, add almonds to the dry pan. 
• Toast for 3-4 min, stirring often, until golden. (TIP: Keep your eye on almonds so they don't burn.) 
• Transfer toasted almonds to a plate.

• Reheat the same pan over medium-high.
• When the pan is hot, add 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) butter, then apples. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tbsp (3 tbsp) maple syrup.
• Cook for 2-3 min per side, stirring often, until apples are golden and tender-crisp.
• Transfer caramelized apples to a plate. Set aside.
• Carefully wipe the pan clean.

• Reheat the same pan over medium.
• When the pan is hot, add 1/2 tbsp (1 tbsp) oil, then patties. Pan-fry for 4-5 min per side, until cooked through.**
• Meanwhile, halve buns.
• Arrange on an unlined baking sheet, cut-side up. Sprinkle cheese over bottom buns.
• Broil buns in the middle of the oven for 2-3 min, until cheese melts. (TIP: Keep an eye on buns so they don't burn.)

• In a large bowl, whisk together remaining maple syrup, remaining mustard and 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) oil.
• Add spring mix, toasted almonds and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine. 
• Spread mustard mixture on top buns. 
• Stack patties, bacon and caramelized apples on bottom buns. Close with top buns.
• Divide burgers and salad between plates.

If you've opted to add bacon, cut strips in half crosswise. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium. When hot, add bacon. Cook for 5-7 min, flipping occasionally, until crispy.** Remove from heat. Using tongs, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. Discard bacon fat from the pan. Carefully wipe the pan clean. Use the same pan to toast almonds in step 3.