Beef Barbecue

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This recipe is the only recipe that I have from my grandmother, my father's mother. Most of my memories of my grandmother are of her infirm -- with a bad back, perpetually stooped over or sitting on a heating pad. I have very few memories of her in the kitchen, but I do remember that she made me Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff sandwiches, and I do remember this Barbecue recipe.

Unlike most Barbecued Beef, made from a big meaty chuck roast, this recipe starts with ground beef (and so it's very budget friendly). It's a little like Sloppy Joe, but sweeter and with a hint of cloves. It's a great recipe for a crowd, because you can double or triple it -- just use a big pot. My grandmother and my mother always served it with cole slaw -- right on top of the meat, and so that's the way I serve it, also. I made a big pot on Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it was very popular! I always make a pot between Christmas and New Year's as well -- there are always many mouths to feed! This recipe couldn't be easier, so you can mix up a batch and enjoy the smells while you visit with your guests.

Grandmother's Barbecue

2 lbs. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
¼ t. garlic powder
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar (more or less, to taste)
1 c. water
¼ bottle ketchup (vague, I know, it's about a big cup)
2 t. mustard
2 T. Worcestershire
pinch of cloves
(big or little pinch -- to taste; start with a little and add more if you like it)

Brown beef with onion and garlic powder. Add remaining ingredients and simmer two hours. Serve on buns with Cabbage Slaw.

Menu Suggestions: In the winter I like to serve this with Scalloped Potatoes and a creamy salad like this Waldorf Salad. In the summer I serve it with Potato Salad and fresh fruit.

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