Sloppy Joe the Plumbers

It's been just over 20 hours since Obama was projected as our next President. In those 20 hours, I can't help but notice the excitement level of those I'm around has spiked through the roof. Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, complete strangers on the streets have an collective aire of hope pouring out of them, the likes of which I have never seen before. I can honestly say it is the most remarkable experiences of community I can remember.

Last night, my roommates and I hosted a Barack Obama election party with around 30 of our nearest and dearest friends. Each time a new state was called for Obama we raised a glass to the people of that state. The nervous energy mounted as we cried, "PENNSYLVANIA!" "OHIO!" "VIRGINIA!" It was really happening. No one could believe it. At ten seconds to 8 we started counting down to the close of the Oregon polls and the chance to raise a glass to our state. At the count of zero and the stroke of 8:00, we erupted as it was announced Barack Obama had been elected as our President. Cheers became fits of joy became hugs and became dancing for no reason. We poured onto the porch where our neighbors next door, and around Portland, were joining in the celebration. All for the hope of something better than what we've suffered through for the last 8 years. 20 hours later I'm still abuzz. I still have goose bumps.

Inspiration: Joe the Plumber
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Special equipment: Cast iron skillet
Servings: 10-15 sliders

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbs olive oil
1 Medium onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs yellow mustard
1 8oz can of tomato sauce
12 slider buns

1. In a heavy skillet, over medium heat, brown ground beef. Remove from skillet and let drain.

2. In same skillet, saute onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Stir in brown sugar until it dissolves. Add mustard, tomato sauce, browned meat and stir. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Preheat oven on broil. Turn slider buns onto a cookie sheet insides facing up, and slide into oven on top rack. Toast buns until golden brown (WATCH LIKE A HAWK!)

4. Spoon even amounts of sloppy joe mix onto slider buns and serve while hot.