Sloppy Joes

SLOPPY JOES (can easily be doubled) This serves makes about 4-6

1 Tbsp EVOO
1 lb. ground turkey or lean ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped ( we grated and used red)
2 gloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp from jar
1/2 Tbsp chili powder
3/4 tsp paprika (used sweet, but smoked is fine)
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 pinch of cloves
1/2 tsp each of mustard powder, mustard, brown grainy mustard
1 tsp. Mrs. Dash, table blend or Trader Joes salt-free blend
1/2 tsp dried Oregano, crush in fingers to release flavors
1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp packed, brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 c. chicken stock
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 c. tomato sauce
4-6 hamburger buns, regular or whole wheat - toasted.
Topping ideas: crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro or parsley, shredded light mozzarella pepper jack or cheddar cheese, or raw chopped onions.

Heat EVOO add meat to brown. Drain fat if necessary. Add garlic, onion, and season with Mrs. Dash. Cook until onion softens a few minutes, Then add chili powder, paprika, allspice, cloves, and oregano. Stir to release flavors of spices then add tomato paste, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce, stirring for a minute or two.

Add the stock with cornstarch and the tomato sauce and bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for several minutes to thicken. To bump up protein and fiber can add beans at this point if wish - suggest red kidney beans. Rinse well and drain before adding (eliminates extra salt). Heat through. Serve on rolls with toppings of your choice. ~Enjoy :)

DARN GOOD CHILI! Mmmm the best!

2 c. water
1 c. beer ( or can substitute 1 c. beef broth)
1- 1 1/4 lbs. lean hamburger
2 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp mustard from fridge (any kind you like & have on hand)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. chili powder
3/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. Chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
3/4 Tbsp. salt
3/4 tsp. ground allspice
8 oz. can tomato paste
3/4 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 lrg. and 1 small whole bay leaves
Crumble raw hamburger (do NOT brown) into water, add all ingredients, stir with wooden spoon while bringing mixture to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 3 hours, chili will thicken as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Due to raw meat in initial mix - DO NOT taste for at least 1-2 hours. Remove bay leaves. Serves 5 to 6. Serve and top with cheese, and onions, if wish. Great on chips with cheese, on hotdogs or hamburgers, or serve with cornbread. ~ ENJOY :) IS So delicious and worth the wait! Freezes well or enjoy over the next 3 days.

Nordstrom Cafe fan?....

Best Soup in the WORLD!!!

If you have never been to Nordstrom Cafe - Do Go, you won't regret it! If you have never tried the Tomato Basil Soup, you are really missing out - it is AMAZING! The Basil adds the perfect spice to this authentically tremendous soup - the whole soup is pureed so even if you are not a fan of onions, or vegetables or whatever excuse you have to not try it - the soup is smooth! I am not a vegetable fan, but there are ways to eat your veggies and not really taste them or to combine them for the best flavors you've experienced AND here is one way that is perfection! Did I mention this soup is AMAZING! YOU must try! Enjoy :)

Nordstrom Cafe Tomato Basil Soup
A large batch recipe from the Nordstrom's Cafe.
1½ hours | 30 min prep | SERVES 128 (OR serve 21- (approx. 1/6th)
12 cups canned peeled plum tomatoes ( 2 c.)
3 lbs carrots, chopped ( 1/2 lb)
3 lbs onions, chopped ( 1/2 lb.)
4 tablespoons dry basil (or use fresh) (2 tsp.)
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (1/6 c)
2 gallons water ( 42 1/2 oz)
1 lb chicken base (21 oz.)
3 quarts heavy cream ( 1/2 qt.)
4 tablespoons kosher salt (2 tsp)
2 tablespoons black pepper (1 tsp.)
In a large stock pot, sautee the olive oil, carrots, and onions at medium heat for 15 minutes.
Add the basil, salt, pepper, and tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
In a large bowl, whisk the chicken base into the water until dissolved.
Add the water mixture to the stock pot, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 45 minutes.
Puree the soup using a hand blender while adding the heavy cream until it reaches a thin consistency.