Billy Joes

It was a great birthday. Bill turned 8 and woke up to smiley faces all over the lawn, thanks to Jodie and Eli and their business "On the Lawn." I made a quadruple batch of Sloppy Joe's for everyone for dinner, extra so Erik could take some home to his townhouse, and we all munched down. We re-named the Sloppy Joe's "Billy Joe's" in honor of Bill's birthday. I share the recipe with you this beautiful day. Enjoy.

Billy Joes

2 small onions
2 tablespoons chopped banana peppers
6 cloves garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dry yellow mustard
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup ketchup
3 cups tomato puree
2 tablepoons cider vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 whole wheat hamburger buns

In a food processor, combine the onions, peppers and garlic. Pulse until very finely minced. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion mixture and saute for about 4 minutes. Add the paprika, cumin, chili powder and mustard powder. Stir well and saute another couple minutes, or until the onions are very soft.

Add the beef and saute, breaking up the clumps with a spoon, until the meat is just browned, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato puree and vinegar. Add this to the meat, bring to a simmer, then lower heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange sloppily over buns, grab a fork and spoon, and dig in. This is so unbelievably tasty, and easy, and relatively healthy for you, and freezes REALLY well (just ask my Mum and Dad).