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 :)

Beefy Chili

This recipe doesn't have beans, but you could easily add a few cans of beans if you want. Also, if you like a tomato based chili, you can replace some of the additional water with a can of crushed tomatoes. I recommend adding the tomatoes first, and only add enough water to keep it from being too thick.

Beefy Crockpot Chili
1 ½ pounds ground round
1 ½ pounds stew meat, cubed
3 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup all purpose white flour
1 cup water
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ cup cocoa powder
12 ounces beer
5 cups water
¼ cup chili powder
In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Dredge stew meat in 1/4 cup flour. With slotted spoon, transfer browned ground beef to crock pot. Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour into beef drippings, stir well to prevent lumps. Cook for about 1 minute, then add 1 cup water and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until thick. Pour over beef in crockpot.

Wipe skillet clean, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown stew meat. Pour into crockpot.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours, stirring occasionally.

OR
***Note: You can make this on top of the stove with a large stockpot instead of using a crockpot. After combining all ingredients, bring just to the boiling point, reduce to simmer, cover -- let cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Chili is always better cooked ahead of time, refrigerated, and served after it has been reheated.

MEAT RUB... Great on Pork

I know this isn't the cookie recipe you may have been hoping for - but trust me - it's coming tomorrow!!! AND it's going to be good - I am feverishly making cookies right now and boy do they smell good - I think I found a winner to post tomorrow, but I want to taste the baked final product to let you know for sure. AND this is my own personal recipe I just created! I got some ideas from the show I mentioned to you all and just gave it my best shot - I think you will love it! I want to see your cookie recipes too - so please post away! Thanks, Chef Mama Mimi :)

Great Rub for Carolina Pulled Pork
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons sea salt (note sea salt has less sodium then regular salt)
2 tablespoons sugar, white granulated or a dark brown, for a different flavor
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup paprika (or use smoked paprika, or ½ and 1/2) - to achieve a smoky flavor depth

PREPARATION:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well; use as a dry rub on beef, chicken, lamb or pork.
Also another great gift giving rub idea! ☺ Enjoy! Remember these rubs have a shelf life of about 6 months.

Quick & EASY spice rub

As promised here is a rub for everyone to try:

Sweet and Zesty use on everything from fish, shrimp, pork chops, beef, turkey, and chicken - it's very versatile.
Make some extra and spread the love to friends and family:
Gift label should include: Rub about 1 tbsp on each cut of meat, cover, let stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Grill or sear for about 2 minutes ( for thin meats) or until done. Keep in a cool, dark place - will last for 6 months.

2 TBSP Brown sugar
2 TBSP Onion powder
2 TBSP garlic powder
2 TBSP paprika or smoked paprika
3 TBSP ground cumin
1 TBSP ground corriander
2 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP salt (use sea salt - naturally less sodium)
Yield: about 1 cup ENJOY :)