Neat Joes originally published on Food and Fond Memories on June 8, 2011 by sandyaxelrod Leave a Comment (Edit)
Neat Joes
Neat Joe mixtures simmering in the pan
Neat Joes with Carrot and Broccoli Salad
I know you are probably thinking “What the heck are Neat Joes? Didn’t she mean Sloppy Joes?” No, it wasn’t a typo. The other night Steve was channel surfing to find something to watch on TV and an old episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay was on the Food Network. It was the one when he went head to head with the Schnitzer brothers who own a popular New York city restaurant where they are known for their Sloppy Joes. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched this episode but I never remember who won. It happens it was one of those rare occasions when Bobby actually won. And I am not surprised after tasting his adult version of this sandwich. Growing up my mom made Sloppy Joes once in a blue moon because they were very messy and she was a neat freak. I’m not as bad as my mom was but I don’t really love eating food that most likely will be dripping down my arms and onto my clothes either. Bobby’s version is more of an open faced, knife and fork sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. The recipe looks daunting because it includes his recipe for Mesa Grill Barbecue Sauce but fortunately for me I already had some in the fridge. I have made this sauce recipe several times and it keeps for quite a while so it’s really worth the extra effort to keep it on hand. After tasting this barbecue sauce I know I will never buy bottled again. With its rich, spicy, tangy and sweet notes all in one mouthful you will be hooked too. After the sauce the recipe is quick and easy using all of the usual suspects ground beef, onion, celery, peppers and garlic along with ancho chili powder, Mesa Grill Barbecue Sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar and assorted natural sweeteners. After cooking everything together the mixture is poured over garlic toast and then devoured. I swear I think we inhaled them Bobby’s Neat Joes were so fabulous. Just click on this link for Neat Joes for the full recipe.
