Bison Joe's

1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)

¾

tablespoon chili powder

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (8 ounces) tomatoes, including the juice

⅓

white-wine vinegar

½

cup tomato ketchup

⅓

cup dark corn syrup

½

cup water

½

cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)

½

teaspoon salt

½

teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

1 pound ground bison (90 percent lean)

½

medium onion, chopped

½

medium green bell pepper, chopped

8 whole wheat (whole grain) hamburger buns, toasted

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the molasses, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Whisk in the tomatoes, vinegar, ketchup, corn syrup and water. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce the heat so the sauce barely simmers and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Whisk in the orange juice, salt and pepper and simmer 5 minutes more.

Meanwhile, saute the bison in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is no longer pink. Add onion and green pepper and continue cooking until they have softened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the sauce to the meat mixture, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.

Serve over the toasted hamburger buns.

Serves eight.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 284 calories (24.6 percent from fat), 7.7 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 41 g carbohydrate, 4.6 g fiber, 20.5 g protein, 33 mg cholesterol, 582 mg sodium.