NATIONAL SLOPPY JOE DAY – March 18

I would like to share something with you about my childhood I don’t remember eating Sloppy Joe’s in our home.I am sure they was served in our school but I don’t remember having them at school as well.

When I got older I remember my mom creating Sloppy Joe’s for mine and her lunch but I don’t remember my dad ever eating one. Living in my parents home with my son I couldn’t make dinners I wanted to share with my child.

I don’t believe I made Sloppy Joe’s until I purchased my own home and my son and I moved in. A little while after that I got married and my husband I would make Sloppy Joe’s all the time because we both worked and they was fast and easy.

I would like to share NATIONAL SLOPPY JOE DAY – March 18 with you and a little bit of information about Sloppy Joe’s and my favorite recipe for making Sloppy Joe’s for my friends and family. Before I do though do you make Sloppy Joe’s for your family?

No matter how you make this hot sandwich, on March 18th, celebrate National Sloppy Joe Day. 

The Sloppy Joe is America’s all-time favorite hot sandwich. The base ingredient in a Sloppy Joe is ground beef. You can use Turkey or Buffalo.. Onions, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Cola or Maple Syrup to sweeten the meat and seasonings to spice it. These elements give it its flavor.

I am sure families many add secret ingredient over the years. All of it is served up on a Hamburger Bun or Roll. A;though, I prefer Sandwich Bread with my Sloppy Joe. Don’t forget its sloppy! You will want to grab more than one napkin!

Who Created The Sloppy Joe

Meet Joe

I would like to let you know there is different claims to the origin of the Sloppy Joe. Havana, Cuba, in the 1930’s, there was a bartender who gained popularity with vacationers who went by the name of Sloppy Joe. He earned his name for his less than enthusiastic way of cleaning the bar.  He was, however, an attentive bartender, and the bar was a hot spot for the jet set.

However, no mention is found in papers from the era of a hot sandwich on the menu matching the description of a Sloppy Joe, and the man of the same name retired to Spain in 1933.But I could see him creating the Sloppy Joe. Couldn’t you?

Town Hall Deli

Reader Steven Hirsch wrote to National Day Calendar and informed them the Town Hall Deli in Maplewood, NJ has a direct connection to Sloppy Joe of Havana fame. It opened in 1927, and during the 1930’s, Maplewood’s Mayor Sweeney traveled to Havana, where he met the bartender named Sloppy Joe and was served a delicious sandwich. The Mayor came back to New Jersey and with a well-developed taste for Joe’s sandwich.

The Mayor enjoyed the sandwich so much he asked one of Town Hall Deli’s proprietors, Fred Heinz, to replicate it. The new sandwich was made with coleslaw, ham, cow tongue, Swiss cheese, and lots of dressing. The sandwich was served on thin rye bread. Hence, the origin of the Sloppy Joe sandwich. Making the Town Hall Deli of South Orange The Birthplace of the Sloppy Joe!”

In 1934…

The Ye Olde Tavern Inn, in Sioux City, Iowa, Abraham and Bertha laid claim to the Sloppy Joe when they added a loose meat sandwich on their menu in 1934. 

Whoever brought the Sloppy Joe to the world, Hunt’s made it more convenient in 1969. They put it in a can and called it Manwich.

I would like to remind you families have their secret recipes that make their Sloppy Joe’s special.  From an unusual spice, to a novel ingredient for sweetening or a homemade tomato sauce, a Sloppy Joe lends itself to originality and personality.  A new flavor is just around the corner.  In the south, you might come across a Barbecue flavor while in the north, Sloppy Joe might be a little sweeter. Whatever your flavor, it is undoubtedly an all-American food holiday!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSloppyJoeDay

You know what to do! Whip up your favorite Sloppy Joe recipe and sides. Enjoy one of the following Sloppy Joe recipes:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve on buns.

Use #NationalSloppyJoeDay to post on social media.

Thank you,

Debbie