The Yello Jersey Barbq on a bun

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This is a very special recipe for me to post. I think it was one of the first recipes I ever asked my mother in-law for.  It has been one of my favorite sandwiches since I came into the family over 24 years ago. It was on my menu plan for last night, so I asked Cathy, my Mother-in-law,  if she cared if I shared the recipe. She gave me the okay and provided these wonderful pictures and also told me some interesting tidbits about the recipe.

This family recipe was served up daily at a quaint Dairy Dee called the Yello Jersey in Jamestown, KY.  My Mother-in-law’s parents owned the restaurant.  It’s hey day was in the 60’s and 70’s.  It was in operation for about 15 years. Each member of her family worked there.  Even LittleChefsDad was involved at the early age of 2 weeks old. Cathy would bring him with her and place him in the playpen while she worked. Here he is pictured a little older with his Grandmother, Zella Mae Rogers.

Cathy told me back in the 60’s if you asked for a sandwich, you got sliced bread.  Always.  So that’s why on a bun was incorporated into the name.  So customers would automatically know it was something other than the white bread commonly used for sandwiches. When she told me that I smiled so big. I had never heard that before and found it very interesting. I love hearing about food history.

I wanted to know everything about the Barbq sauce. Like what was the full name, how was it served, a plate special or separately ,what was served with it, what sides accompanied it, was it most popular on hamburger buns or hot dog buns?  I must’ve asked her 50 questions.  She happily replied back and it brought the recipe to life!

She said hamburger buns were most popular, by far!  One regular customer would order 6 at one time and eat them all by himself!

She said there were no plate specials back then.  Customers would walk up to the windows and order off the large handwritten menu.  The Yello Jersey also served up Shakes, Malts, and Cones.

Here’s Tommy Rogers whipping up a shake.  Check out that vintage machine!
 Here’s Suzanne Rogers Coe making an Ice cream Cone.

She said her Mom, Zella Mae, would make up a double to triple batch and freeze it.  So not only is this economical meal easy on the wallet, but it’s freezer friendly. What more could a person ask for?  Oh, and did I mention it’s delicious too?

At our house we call it Sloppy Joes, and add a slice of cheese to it.  When the kids were little they would turn their nose up to any food that had the word barbeque in it, and a food with the word sloppy in it, sounds soooo much fun to boys!

It’s also amazing used as Hot Dog Sauce.

Whatever you call it, sloppy joe or the original title, Yello Jersey Barbq on a bun, be sure to try this amazing recipe with your loved ones. I’m confidant that it will become your family favorite also.

• Pics updated 4/2017.  The picture clarity wasn’t good in the old pics, hope the new ones are better!

The Yello Jersey Barbq on a bun

Zella Rogers

Tomato Paste gives this dish it's lovely deep color.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 18 oz. tomato paste
• 12 ounces water
• 2 - 2 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 whole onion chopped

Instructions

 

• Brown ground beef with onions in Lg skillet.
• Mix rest of ingredients in small bowl; add to ground beef.
• Mix well; simmer at least 15 minutes. Longer if possible.

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