Today was a bit rough. We said goodbye to a dear friend. Between the rain and Covid restrictions, by the time I got home I was ready for a drink and some comfort food.

Sloppy Joes or Loose Meat Sandwiches are a family favorite. I have a dozen recipes which I vary according to what I have in the kitchen and what I’m in the mood for. Today’s recipe started with two pounds lean ground beef, a large garlic bulb left over from an earlier recipe, some leftover rosemary salt, jarred roasted red pepper, an ounce of mozzarella and two ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.

Brown ground beef, drain, add chopped garlic, salt and red peppers plus a little juice. Simmer until garlic is tender, add cheese heat until melted, stir. Spoon onto hamburger roll or if you’re being fancy, try a pretzel bun or Hawaiian roll.

For a relaxing drink, mix 1/2 ounce flavored bourbon with 1 teaspoon fruit jam and miniature ginger beer. I’m using strawberry Birddog, homemade strawberry jam made by my daughter-in-law, and ginger beer. Ginger beer has become my new favorite thing. I had never had it until a Northern friend told me about it. I love learning about new things, experimenting with new recipes.

Sometimes it is the simplest recipes that make the most impact. For me, tonight, this was the perfect meal and drink.