Mahogany Manor

Anchorage, Alaska

Heritage Recipe

Ida's Sloppy Joe Mix

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 Tablespoon butter

1 small onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3 Tablespoon chili sauce

1 teaspoon mustard

Dash of salt

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 Tablespoon vinegar

Brown ground meat in butter with remaining ingredients. After browning ingredients, simmer for 1 hour. Ground turkey can be substituted for beef, and a low-calorie spray oil can be substituted for butter. Serve on hamburger rolls or biscuits or on top of hot dogs.

We moved to the city when I was a young child. Just down the street was a tavern that served lunch to the local workers. One of Ida's specialties was "Sloppy Joe". I used to see her occasionally after lunch and talk with her. One day she offered to give me her recipe. I was thrilled since the recipe was very easy. I made it the first time for my family and have been making it ever since. I often think of this special lady who shared her popular recipe with me. I still have the yellowed piece of paper I originally wrote it on hidden away in a favorite cookbook.

• You found this recipe on 1st Traveler's Choice Internet Cookbook. (www.virtualcities.com)