We've eaten fairly extravagantly in the past week, so tonight we wanted something simple. Forget that we spent a few hours putting this recipe together. It will go much more quickly later.

SLOPPY JOES

2 medium onions, chopped
5 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ pounds ground chuck
2 TBS chili powder
1 TBS black pepper
1 TBS dark brown suger
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
1 6oz. can tomato paste
¾ cup ketchup
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce

Hamburger buns

Brown meat over medium high heat in a large skillet that can be covered. Pour off half of liquid. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cover pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the vegetables are wilted. Add garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, brown sugar, and chili powder. Stir well. Cover and cook 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, if too watery remove lid. If too thick, add water. Adjust seasoning, if necessary.

This has the right balance of acid and sweet that I remember as a child.

It's been cool and rainy, and, yes, we want comfort food.