Sloppy Joe Dogs

Today is National Gardening Day. The weather around these parts is so beautiful in April. Nothing compares to spring. This year putting in our garden is going to be different.

Sometime in mid to late April we like to get things planted. My guys tend to any repairs needed for the raised beds, bring in some top soil and work it into the ground. We pick out our vegetables – tomatoes, Tomatillos and an assortment of pepper plants along with the herbs. While my guys plant the vegetables, I tend to the herbs. Then we sit back and smile at all we have accomplished.

This year it’s going to be a bit different. The planting probably won’t happen until next Saturday. Even then, it will just be Kiddo and I, with Hubby supervising the project. While he has been recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery well, (graduating from a walker to a cane in just a week) there is no way that 5 weeks out from surgery he will be down on his knees. Hubby is a big man. Even if he were allowed to crawl around in the garden, I don’t think Kiddo and I could safely get him to his feet again. It’s just not worth the risk when he’s made such amazing strides. Next year the garden will be a family affair as far as the labor goes. This year I’m putting my foot down. That man thinks he’s invincible most of the time. He’s tossed the walker, and no longer even uses his new handsome cane. Recovery has been a lot like chasing a toddler around who is into everything.

Now if we were actually planting a garden today, Sloppy Joe Hot Dogs would make for the perfect reward for a job well done. Yeah, it’s not only gardening season, its’ hot dog season, too.

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Note: I cook a lot with bell peppers. I just happen to have half a red and half an orange bell pepper in the fridge on the day I make these dogs. Seemed the perfect time to use them up.

Sloppy Joe Dogs with Grilled Onions and Peppers
Sloppy Joe
1 Celery Rib
1/2 Bell Pepper, any color
1/2 Onion, Red or Yellow
1 lb Ground Beef
1 (10 oz) can condensed Tomato Sou[
2 tablespoons packed Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Ketchup
1/2 tablespoon Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Barbecue Seasoning to taste

Trim celery, finely dice rib. Stem bell pepper, remove seeds. Cut in half. Finely dice half of the pepper, set remaining half aside. Peel and cut onion in half. Finely dice half of the onion, set remaining half aside.

In a high-sided skillet, cook the beef, celery, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in the tomato soup, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and barbecue seasoning. Lower heat, simmer for 30 minutes.

Grilled Hot Dogs, Peppers and Onions
Remaining 1/2 Bell Pepper
Remaining 1/2 Onion
8 Beef Hot Dogs
8 Hot Dog Buns

Slice remaining bell pepper half and onion half into thin slivers. Warm a little oil in a skillet, grill onions and peppers until tender.

Heat grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs, covered, until cooked through and beginning to blister, about 10 minutes, turning as needed.

Split buns open. Place grilled dogs on the buns. Top each with 1/4 cup beef mixture followed by the grilled onions and peppers.

These satisfying dogs are even better with a side of fries and an ice cold drink. Enjoy!

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The Lord is king; He is robed in majesty