sausages

In the past year, the fast food breakfast wars have taken a fiercely competitive turn, and the battle has intensified even more between fast food's top two, McDonald's and Burger King. A Burger King commercial released this month promotes the chain's new BK Breakfast Muffin — a ripoff of the Golden Arches' Sausage McMuffin with Egg — and admits on air, "It's not that original, but it's super affordable." With the two contenders serving a nearly identical breakfast sandwich, we decided it was high time for a taste-off. Which one was better? The breakdown, and our verdict, after the jump.

Have you ever played Apples to Apples? The wildly entertaining game that's all about words and comparisons? It's my new favorite party game — I love it so much that I'm joining forces with FabSugar to host an Apples to Apples party! Fab's inviting equal amounts of boys and girls to her house, and I'm in charge of the food and drinks. Each item on the menu includes (no surprises here) apples! Since the party is on a Thursday evening, I'll keep things simple by serving two dishes that can be made in advance. Guests can help themselves to sausage, fennel, and apple skewers or fill a mug with steaming sweet potato, chipotle, and apple soup.

These apple recipes would be fun at any Winter-themed dinner so get them now after the break.

Traditionally, cassoulet is a slow-cooked dish that requires duck confit and dried beans. However, this recipe simplifies the technique and streamlines the ingredients. Hearty sausage replaces the confit, and canned white beans stand in for their time-consuming dried cousins. Fire-roasted tomatoes provide a rich thickness and a crispy topping of bread crumbs stirred with parmesan cheese is a flavorful finish. To make this dish the star of a meal that's ideal for Winter entertaining, start with a baked brie and offer gingerbread palmiers as dessert. Look at the recipe and read more

Tonight, surprise your loved ones with a homemade version of a ballpark classic, sausage and pepper sandwiches. No grill is necessary, all you need is an oven.

The veggies and sausages are roasted while the bread gets toasty and the cheese melts. The ingredient list calls for bottled balsamic dressing, but if you have the time and skills, why not whisk your own quick vinaigrette?

Serve with mixed greens and a cold beer. To make this mid-week pick-me-up, get the recipe after the break.

Who can say no to the classic combination of meat and potatoes? To get your weekend started, serve your family this hearty and satisfying meal. Although the ingredient list calls for Italian sausage, bratwurst, andouille, or any other kind of sausage would work well.

The recipe cooks the sausages over the stove, but don't hesitate to throw them on the grill. The warm potato salad is German-style and has no mayonnaise. To serve this meal with an icy cold beer, get the recipe now.