SLOPPY JOE: What a perfect way to start off the week after a busy weekend, its quick and easy to serve and clean up.

Recipe 1: (this version has a sweet and spicy taste)

Serves 4

Brown 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey  and 1 small onion( 1/2 cup) finally chopped in a 3 quart sauce pan. Drain off excess fat and return to sauce pan.

Add:

1 cup tomato catsup

1/4 cup brown sugar dissolved in 1 cup water

1/2 tsp salt and pepper

1 or 2 quick drops of red pepper sauce(depending on your taste)

Mix all together well and simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat, stirring often, the sugar can make it stick to the bottom, so stir it pretty often while on the heat.

Serve on hamburger buns or biscuits

I like this with a lettuce salad and potato chips. For dessert, Watermelon.

Recipe 2(this version is not sweet and more savory)

Brown beef or turkey with onions same as above.

Add: 1 can chicken gumbo soup(weird I know but trust me its good)

1/2 cup tomato catsup

3 TBSP. yellow mustard

salt and pepper as above.

Mix all together and let simmer for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring often.

Serve as above.

These are both delicious and quick to make. It depends on your taste. I make it all in the same pot so the clean up isn't hard. It doesn't take long to make and can be made the night before and reheated easily. In my house there are never any leftovers.

OVEN FRIES: A nice side dish with sloppy joe or many things.

serves 4

4 medium sized baking potatoes and clean well, do not peel. Cut into wedges by cutting in half and then each half into wedges.

Boil the potatoes for 3 minutes on stove top( an extra step I know but this way they bake faster and better in the oven).

Drain and then salt and pepper them well and now you can be creative and add crushed basil or oregano, cayenne pepper or paprika  for a different taste. Mix in 3 TBSP. olive oil.  Spread on a cooky sheet making sure that they are all flat and not on top of each other. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes, check them half way and turn them so one side doesnt get too dark. They are delicious served hot and they get nice and crispy.