RECIPE: SLOPPY JOES

When was the last time you had a Sloppy Joe? I had a hankering for this messy sandwich this past week and it did not disappoint. Take a trip back to your childhood with this recipe ...

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon canola oil (or vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Coarse salt
Ground pepper
1 pound ground beef (I use extra lean)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4-6 buns, split and warmed (Monkey picked fresh Portuguese buns)

Directions:
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add ground beef and cook (breaking it up with a wooden spoon) until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add tomato sauce, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon onto buns and enjoy!

MY REMEMBRANCE DAY

Remembrance Day. It is a day to reflect and remember the soldiers who bravely fought for the freedom we enjoy today, and for the troops who continue to face battles to secure our safety and freedom now and in the future.

My Remembrance Day was a strange day. It was filled with celebration, sadness and a trip down memory lane. My husband celebrates his birthday on November 11, and so we planned family activities and a little celebration for the day (it is a statutory holiday in Bermuda) that included presents, candles and cake.

It was also the day that my step-grandfather died unexpectedly. Richard joined our family shortly after my grandfather passed away when I was a teenager. I loved my grandpa (Papa George) dearly and found it difficult to welcome and accept Richard. His death took me back to the time I shared with my grandpa ... walking along the railroad tracks, playing with my dog, travelling, learning woodworking skills ... My grandpa was a jovial character who was always willing to tell a joke and lend a helping hand.

Richard was mild-mannered and quiet, a man who preferred to listen to stories rather then tell them. I realized the day he died that he had been in my life almost as long as my grandpa. It was a strange realization since it had taken me many years (too many) to understand and appreciate that Richard was a good, patient companion for my grandma. Rest in peace, Richard.

(Photo from our trip to Italy 2012)

DESIGN INSPIRATION: WHITE AND WOOD

I find that the pairing of white walls with medium-toned wood -- whether flooring, furniture or accents -- creates a warm, inviting and relaxing environment for any room ...

(Image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6)