Sloppy Joes

Don, a Leaside Hockey dad who was called "The Blade" back when he played himself, makes dinner for his teen-aged twin sons on game days. He said back in the day, he'd eat a steak at 3 pm before he'd play an 8 pm game. But his kids like to have Sloppy Joes when they come home from school.

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 lb. lean ground meat (beef or chicken)
• 1 28 oz/796 ML can crushed or diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1-2 tbsp grated light cheddar cheese
• salt to taste

Options: If this isn't a game day, spice it up by adding:

• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• Instead of 1 lb. of ground meat, use 8 oz. lean ground meat and 8 oz lean sausage of your choice-- removed from casings (chorizo, mild or hot Italian, honey garlic)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• hot sauce or ketchup to taste

1. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan.
2. If using onions and garlic, sautee in oil till soft.
3. Add meat, stir to break up chunks, cook till browned.
4. Drain fat from pan.
5. Add can of undrained tomatoes and spices.
6. Stir, bring to a boil, reduce heat, stir and simmer 30 minutes.
7. Serve Sloppy Joes in kaiser rolls or hamburger buns.
8. Add hot sauce, ketchup or cheese as desired.