Sloppy Joes

Whenever I hear sloppy joes, I think of the SNL skit with Adam Sandler singing, "slop, slop, sloppy joes." Anyone else? No? Nevermind. I typically don't enjoy sloppy joes. It reminds me of a child's food, but then again whose to say I can't enjoy simple foods. However, I don't think I've ever had homemade sloppy joes. I normally have Manwich or the likes. So if you typically snub sloppy joes, first try this recipe. It was so yummy! It had a nice sweet taste. I actually doubled the recipe because I like mine, "extra sloppy" (billy madison? anyone?)

1 lb ground beef
1/4 c chopped onion
1 t garlic powder
2 t mustard
1 1/2 c ketchup
6 t brown sugar
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion; drain off liquids. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

California Veggie Sandwich

With summer here I like to keep my meals light and flavorful. I discovered this meatless sandwich and really enjoyed it. It calls for grilling but since I don't own a grill I changed it and did it in the boiler. I also added the marinade and asparagus, since I didn't have yellow squash and I don't care for onions. The recipe calls for focaccia bread but I did asiago cheese bread. I added a side of a sliced mango. It was a perfect summer dinner.

1/4 c miracle whip, or mayo
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T lemon juice
1/8 c olive oil
1 c sliced red pepper
1 small zucchini, sliced
handful of asparagus, cut
1 small yellow squash, sliced
bread of your choice
1/2 c feta cheese

Marinade
1/2 c brown sugar
4 1/2 T soy sauce

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator for one hour. Mix brown sugar and soy sauce. Marinate vegetables in mixture. Preheat boiler. Cook vegetables in oven for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Spread mayo mixture on slices of bread and sprinkle with feta cheese. Place bread on separate baking sheet and place in oven until cheese melts, watch to make sure bread does not burn. Remove and layer with vegetables. Enjoy.

Barbequed Pork Sandwiches

I typically don't enjoy pork, but I've been trying to branch out and barbequed pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious choice. It's slathered in barbeque sauce so you don't taste the pork as much. Plus this is done in a crock pot which makes the meal even better. Pair it with a spinach salad or some fries.

2 1/2 lbs boneless pork roast
salt and pepper to taste
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic (or 2 t of minced garlic)
3 c beef broth
1 c water
1 small onion, diced
2 (12 oz) bottle barbeque sauce (I use Sweet Baby Rays)

Season roast with salt and pepper. Place roast, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, beef broth, water and onion in crock pot set to LOW. Cook 3-4 hours. Scoop garlic out of the cooker and mash with fork, return mashed garlic to crock pot (if using minced garlic skip these step). Cook another 3-4 hours. Transfer roast to a large cutting board and discard liquid. Shred roast using two forks and return meat to crock pot. Stir in barbeque sauce and continue cooking on LOW for 1-3 hours. Serves 12.

*To make it for a smaller group just cut roast in half and save for a later time. I still keep the other ingredients the same.

Hires Big H

I love a good cheeseburger every now and again and the best burger I have ever had is at Hires Big H in Salt Lake City. I don't know how they do it but it's delicious. A little fry sauce on the bun, cheese perfectly melted all around...delish! They also serve homemade rootbeer in a frosty mug, what more could you want? Not only do they have great burgers but all their sandwiches are equally delicious. It's a fun atmosphere because you can order from your car if you want to and eat in your car. Or you can walk in and enjoy a diner feel. Don't forget to get an order of cheese fries and extra fry sauce. Forget about the calories, indulge!

Buffalo Wild Wings

Often the weekends are the time to take a break from the kitchen and head out for a great dinner. Once you decide you want to take a break and head out this conversation occurs..."Where do you want to eat?" "I don't care, wherever" "I don't care either, you pick" and on and on it can go. Well I've decided every Friday I will post one of my favorite restaurants in hope that you don't get stuck in that dreaded conversation. Some of my picks will be local, regional or national. If you don't have one by you, at least whenever you make a trip to the Chicago area you'll know of some good places.Buffalo Wild Wings has become one of my favorites, it has a great atmosphere. Especially with the many playoff games and ball games going on it's a great place to watch many games while eating good food. Their buffalo wings are really good and they offer 14 different sauces, ranging from very mild to "blazin". Warning: stay clear of the "blazin" unless you want to burn your mouth off, plus it's not very good. They offer plenty of other options besides buffalo wings, including burgers and sandwiches. Buffalo Wild Wings also offers take out if you aren't in the mood to eat there. They are reasonably priced too!