Beat The Heat with Sloppy Joes

 

Today was HOT HOT at the lake 96 degrees I noted at one point on the thermometer.  It was a good day for a movie and Barbie was the perfect choice. After reading all the hype I wondered if it could possibly live up to it all but trust me it did deliver in a BIG way. It's not a movie for a really young child as some major points would sail over their heads. When I asked someone (girl around 14) sitting next to me what did she think the major point of the movie was she said "empowerment" and this word nails it. One of the best reviews I have read about screenplay and director. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/18/movies/barbie-movie-review.html   

So when the heat index soars and you don't feel like cooking having a comfort food dish in the refrigerator waiting for you to heat up is a "blessing." 

Sloppy Joes-An Ever Ready Special

Cook's Notes: I've used this recipe many times for large gatherings. I have doubled sometimes tripled the recipe and then kept it warm in a crockpot. Usually, I serve Sloppy Joes with hamburger buns but out of necessity once had to use Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sub Buns as I had them on hand. I was surprised at how much I liked the taste of the buns with meat mixture. Recipe serves 6.
Cooking Tip: Use a pastry cutter to crumble cooked meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of hamburger (80%) or Italian Sausage
• 1 cup each of diced celery and sweet onions
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder-start with one tablespoon and taste test along the way
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 can (undiluted) chicken gumbo soup or chicken rice soup
• 1/3 cup chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar
• 1 can (undiluted) chunky tomatoes (basil, garlic, and oregano)
• Optional topping-sliced avocados

Directions:

• Brown hamburger, celery and onions on medium-low heat covered and occasionally using a pastry cutter to crumble meat. 
• Wipe the pan clean of grease and moisture.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer on low heat uncovered for an hour.