Sloppy Joes

Life seems to provide homey pleasures during times of stress and anxiety.  Last night's remedy? Sloppy Joes and biscuits.  I have never made Sloppy Joes, so they posed a new mountain to climb.  I definitely made things up as I went along, but they actually turned out pretty good!  I would recommend this recipe to anyone who is a fussy eater, doesn't like ketchup, or simply loves a different taste to traditional food.  Even though we made a pound of meat, somehow it is all gone!  I think Tony liked them :)

Ashley's Special Sloppy's

1 lb. turkey burger

1 small onion, chopped

1 green pepper (optional- but trust me, it's good)

1 T freshly chopped garlic or 2 1/2 T dried garlic

1.5 C. tomato sauce

2 T brown sugar

1-2 t. cumin

1-2 t. chili powder

1-2 t. paprika

1 T Worcestershire sauce

little less than 1 t. balsamic vinegar 

salt and pepper to taste

Saute turkey burger, chopped onion, and green pepper in a pan until meat is brown.  Drain any grease, although that is optional because turkey burger is quite lean and some fat is recommended to help all ingredients blend together well.  Blend in all remaining ingredients.  Start with 1 teaspoon of the spices, and keep adding to taste.  Turkey burger needs more spices than ground beef.  Let the meat simmer until it's at your favorite consistency.  Serve on biscuits or buns and enjoy!

Whole Wheat Biscuits

2 C. whole wheat flour

1.5 t. salt

4 t. baking soda

6 T. butter- softened (DO NOT MELT)

1/2 C. milk (start with 1/3 and work your way up-may need up to 1 C)

Sift dry ingredients together. Mix in butter and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.  Add milk in, starting with 1/3 and add more as needed, although the dough should be pretty sticky.  Put a large square of aluminum foil on the counter and lightly, but thoroughly, flour.  Put the dough onto the floured foil and knead until dough stiffens (maybe 8 kneads).  Roll out flat, about 1/2 inch thick and cut out biscuits using a glass or round cookie cutter.  Put on lightly greased pan and bake at 400 for 8-12 minutes.  

This is a little late, but here is the picture of Little Big Town!