Sloppy Joes speak Italian

As with many kids of the '70s, one of my dinner favorites was sloppy Joes. I liked them better than burgers. I remember the first time dad made them, flavored with those little packets of dried spices, onions and such. Dad, who worked days, had dinner duty most nights, as mom worked afternoons. I remember he was excited to have us try this new thing. We were suspicious of the new food, and I remember all four of us eating them with trepidation.

By Joe Gray, Tribune Newspapers

January 2, 2013