Sloppy Joes

It is summer.  Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, and Memorial Day is tomorrow then it is unofficially summer.  Quick and easy meals are what I need to have more time to play outside and to keep the house from heating up to one million degrees.  I didn't feel like firing up the barbecue today so this is second to it. I grew up with these Joes and I love them.  My husband doesn't really like Sloppy Joes in general but I haven't ever really met one I didn't like.  He actually thinks I am weird for putting a nice slice of cheddar cheese on top.  Yum. Well, I actually just realized that I haven't ever tried the canned versions of this dish and I can imagine I might not like those.  These are so simple there shouldn't be any reason to have to buy that canned stuff.


Mom's Sloppy Joes

serves about 6

Ingredients

1 lb Lean Ground Beef
1 Can Stewed Tomatoes, mash or slice the bigger pieces if you'd like
2 tsp Chili Powder
1/4 Cup Ketchup
2 tsp Mustard
1 tsp Brown Sugar
Few drops Liquid Smoke (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions


Brown the hamburger.
Add the tomatoes and remaining ingredients and let it simmer on low for at least 15 min.  If you don't allow it to simmer the flavors don't really get absorbed into the meat.
That's it, you are done.  :)

Pasta With Tomato Basil Sauce

I'm back.  Well, I think, at least for now.  As you can see I am very committed to getting recipes saved.  It has been almost a year since I have posted something.  It's been 6 months since I had a baby so I think I am finally adjusted to mom-hood so I can fit this luxury back into my schedule.  I have so many recipes I would like to put on here and save for myself.  Pretty much that is what has brought me back.  I've made something, loved it, and forgot where I got it or the exact ingredients so I have a hard time making it again.  I'm back here to save me some grief.  This little number is one of those recipes.  I don't remember where I got it but I love it and it's so easy to make.  Most likely it's from Epicurious.  It is also very versitale.  I've made it with spinach, chicken, shrimp, leeks, and I think, even artichoke hearts.  Not all at the same time, but I'm sure that would be good too haha.  Oh and I'm just going to say I found something that makes my life easier when using basil.

Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce


serves about 4


Ingredients


1 lb Pasta
2 Tbs Olive Oil
1/2 Onion, chopped small
2-3 Cloves Garlic
1/4 Cup White Wine (optional, adds some depth but you can use water or broth)
28 ounce Can Diced Tomatoes (or Fresh if you'd like)
1 tsp Brown Sugar (Optional)
1 Tbs Freshly Basil, sliced up
1/2 -1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
Salt and Pepper to taste

Also good with spinach, other veggies, chicken or shrimp.


Directions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
De-glaze the pan with the wine.
Add tomatoes and sugar and simmer.
Meanwhile, start the pasta water.  When you add the pasta to the boiling water add the basil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to the tomatoes.
Simmer the sauce while the pasta cooks.
When the pasta is done add to the tomato sauce, add any additional basil and parmesan cheese after serving.