Food Challenge: You Can Make These Easy Staples!

Are you trying the food challenge?  Today I'm going to share three simple staples you can make from scratch:  Sloppy Joe's, Taco Seasoning, and BBQ Sauce.  Read the ingredients on the labels of these items at the store and compare it to the following recipes.  Don't you want to know what's in your food?  It's not hard to make these...I promise!

Sloppy Joe's

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onion (if desired)
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 t. prepared yellow mustard
3/4 c. ketchup (preferable organic)
1 T. brown sugar
1 t. salt (less if you desire less sodium)

Brown ground beef in a skillet.  Add in remaining ingredients and mix around allowing to heat through.  About ten minutes.  Serve!

Taco Seasoning

1 T. chili powder
1 t. paprika
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. ground coriander
1/2 t. oregano
1/4 t. to 3/4 t. cayenne pepper (adjust to your desire; we use none!)
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. onion powder
1 t. salt (reduce or omit if desired)
1 t. ground pepper

Mix together and store in an airtight container.  Use 2 T. per pound of meat and add 1/2 to 3/4 c. of water.  Works best to triple or quadruple the recipe and store it!

BBQ Sauce

2 c. ketchup (preferable organic)
1 c. water
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
5 T. light brown sugar
5 T. sugar
1/2 t. fresh ground pepper
1/2 onion powder
1/2 t. ground mustard
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and cover.  Bring to a boil.  Turn down and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes uncovered, stirring frequently.