Not-So-Sloppy, Sloppy Joe's

I was stumped on what to make for some girlfriends I was inviting over for dinner.  While pondering I realized that summer is half over.  Or, at least July is almost over.  This made me vow to go to the pool or beach every day possible until the weather turns gloomy.  At least here in SoCal we have until October.  Growing up in the Midwest always makes me think August is the last warm month, and I still can't help but feel the need to soak up more sunshine.  Either way I am planning more trips to the beach and more riding around topless in the Jeep (the Jeep is topless, by the way, not me).

 Anyway, I decided on something that screams summer for dinner.  

Sloppy Joes!  Corn on the cob!  Lemonade!  

Here is the amazing Not-So-Sloppy Joe recipe: 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped 

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 pound ground turkey**

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt to your taste

Whole wheat hamburger buns

Grated cheese (garnish)

Light Sour cream (garnish)

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper.  Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.  Add turkey.  Cook and crumble with spoon until no pink remains.  Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon and salt.  Add a little water if it's too thick.  Maybe a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup.  Stir occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.  Spoon turkey mixture onto bottom half of bun and top with cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Sandwich with the top half of bun.  Enjoy!!

**This can also be made with vegetarian meat crumbles for the vegetarians out there.

Festive, Fast Fourth of July Treat

Crap!  I am a week late on this post.  I made this amazing dessert twice last week for the Fourth of July.  It was an instant hit at both parties.  With my hubby having a week off, everything was pushed aside including computer time...so while this may not be useful this year, bookmark this page for next year.  You will be a sure hit at your next Independence Day celebration! 

What you will need:

Fresh blueberries

Fresh sliced strawberries

One white angel food cake, torn in pieces

One or two containers of cool whip 

What to do: 

Layer dish with torn angel food cake  

Smooth cool whip on top of cake

 Push down with a spoon to get in between cake pieces

Line strawberries and blueberries on top for a pretty design

Dig in!