Bulldog Sloppy Joe

 On Halloween, Steve thoughtfully prepared a large pot of his barbecue beef so Melissa and Brian could eat early and have plenty of time to get into their costumes. Dressing as Bryony could have been more fun, had Melissa realized at the time the irony of Brian’s vampire garb.

Bulldog Sloppy Joe

By Jeremiah Boerema

3 pounds ground beef

½ to 1 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup ketchup

1 cup barbecue sauce, preferable Sweet Baby Rays

Brown ground beef and onions at the same time over medium to high heat. Mix the remaining ingredients for the sauce well. Drain off the extra fat from the meat and onion mixture. Add sauce, stir, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If extra sauce is desired, add equal parts of ketchup and barbecue sauce. To achieve the Bulldog effect, use green ketchup instead of red. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.