Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary! With a romantic dinner for four. The husband, our son, my father and myself. To throw a blanket on the spark of romance even more, yeah, I served up Sloppy Joes.
I know what you're thinking: She's cheap! ... or, They're poor, bless their hearts! Yes, and yes. But give Mama Mia a little break will you? Even so, I was planning on a better menu than Sloppy Joes! I asked my dear husband what he wanted me to cook for our anniversary dinner and I kid you not, he picked up the can of Manwich and said, "Sloppy Joes!" I laughed out loud because I though it was another one of his jokes but he assured me he wasn't kidding. So being the good wife that I am, I slaved over a hot stove for a few minutes making our special dinner. Our 20th wedding anniversary romantic dinner for four.
Of course I had to add my own little spin to the mix. I finely minced garlic and Vidalia onion and added it to the ground beef, which did add a nice touch. Also, and this is very important, it makes me feel better. I served a healthy salad on the side with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette. It's as easy as falling off a log, and here is the recipe. Which by the way is my husband's favorite, even above all 4 star restaurant's salad dressings.
You'll need:
* A nice fancy mason jar. Yeah, you read that correct. Remember, I'm cheap. And poor.
*Balsamic vinegar -1/4 cup
*A nice big juicy garlic clove, smashed and minced.
*Olive oil - 3/4 cup (I prefer light olive oil myself)
*Dark brown sugar - 2 tablespoons full. NOTE:The amount you use depends on the quality of your Balsamic. If you're rich, or a big spender, and can afford the best, you won't need a lot of sugar. But remember, I'm cheap. And poor. I use around 3 or more spoons.
*Salt and pepper to taste
Add all of the above ingredients in your mason jar, secure the lid and give it a very good shake! Don't thank me, I got the recipe from Emeril's food show, and store-bought vinaigrette will not do. It doesn't even come close! I mean, we could drink this stuff!
Another Note: I have one more point I'd like to make. No, two. FYI, this food snob loves a good Manwich sloppy Joe! And, the husband and I are going out Saturday night to celebrate our anniversary. Just the two of us! Thanks to an awesome respite care ministry in our area. If you have a special needs child and you're in the Birmingham area also looking for a parent's night out program designed for your special needs child and their siblings, please check them out HERE! You will be beyond amazed!
