Totally Sloppy Joes with Bam Bam - Emeril

Today, I went to prepare my room for the school year.  I have the same room as last year which is a plus.  It is sunny and airy and has enough space for the class.  

I had forgotten, I had left some of my bulletin board displays, at school and this was a pleasant surprise.  I ended up doing more than I thought, I would accomplish.  Even though, some of the borders are still missing, my handiwork looked good and will be a pleasant welcome for the kids.  

I am as excited about the new year as I was when I was a kid.  I love new beginnings and the hopes and dreams that come with them.  I love, even more, the end of the year when I can look back and hopefully see some of those dreams come true. 

I came home, exhausted.  I have to get into the routine of having work, in my schedule.  Hubby was great and offered to barbecue until, I asked if he would prefer Sloppy Joes.  Back to the kitchen with me.   

Totally Sloppy Joes  ---- Adapted  form Emeril

Ingredients:

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce (I had Marinara opened in the refrigerator.)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Baby Bam  --  See below.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

salt to taste - optional

Method:

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until brown, about 5 minutes.

Strain the meat through a colander set over a bowl and return the meat to the pan. Discard the fat.

Add the onion and green pepper and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add the red wine vinegar, stirring to loosen the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar,  Italian seasoning, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Stir to mix and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Since we do not have gluten-free buns, we used sliced sandwich bread.  Heat in oven.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve the Sloppy Joes by spooning 1/2 cup of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each slice of bread and top with the other half. Serve warm.

Baby Bam - seasoning by Emeril

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Method:

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine, using a wooden spoon. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.Yield: about 3/4 cup