A few years back while vacationing in Michigan's Upper Penninsula with my wife I sort of lost track of time on the grill and severely under-cooked my burger. We were on vacation, so I just decided what the heck, I'll eat it. It wasn't bad.

It was then that my wife said something which has bothered me ever since.

"It can't be that bad for you," she said. "My parents eat raw beef and onion sandwiches every year around Christmastime."

Wait, what?

Apparently this "Cannibal Sandwich," "Tiger Meat," "Steak Tartare," or simply "raw beef and onion sandwich" is a real thing, and it's an old Wisconsin tradition.* Some say the tradition comes from Europe, some say it was the Mongols, others say it was started here in the Midwestern United States. Nobody really knows.

Watch this lady make one:

The Wisconsin Historical Society defines these raw beef sandwiches as follows:

"An appetizer of raw, lean ground beef served on bread (especially rye cocktail bread) with sliced onions, salt and pepper. Also known as "tiger meat," "steak tartare," or simply "raw beef and onions," the sandwiches have traditionally been served at holiday parties and other festive gatherings in the Milwaukee area."

Sounds............interesting?

But I'm willing to try it.

Are you?

However, just so we are all aware, this sandwich is a risky eat (obviously), and experts recommend purchasing a fresh cut of meat and either grinding it yourself at home or having the butcher do it for you. It is also recommended that you eat the meat on the same day you buy it.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services warns not to eat the sandwich at all due to the risk of E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria.

Either way, this is America. So consume whatever you want you filthy animal.

*Some people in other states eat these sandwiches too. Wisconsin just seems to be the most passionate about it.