YumSugar

Stuffing So Good It Should Be Made All Year Long

partysugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:15:58 -0800

Last year on Thanksgiving, my older brother, while shoveling stuffing down his throat asked, "How come we only have stuffing once a year? It's so good!" I have to agree with him, stuffing is one of the main reasons I look forward to turkey day. Although I change up the recipe I use, there's one ingredient (besides bread) my stuffing must have: Italian sausage. As the plump sausage renders fat, it imparts an incomparable depth of flavor and porky goodness to the bread and vegetables. This recipe combines the fragrant juicy pork with soft butternut squash, leafy kale, oozing parmesan cheese, and melt-in-your mouth focaccia. The elements may not be traditional, but the resulting stuffing is comforting, addictive, and most-importantly, delicious. To serve this stuffing to your family, get the recipe and read more.

Sausage and Kale Thanksgiving Stuffing
From Food Network Magazine

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
1 pound sweet Italian fennel sausage, casings removed, broken into small pieces
3 large leeks, white and light-green parts only, sliced
1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 bunch kale, leaves trimmed and chopped
1 pound stale onion focaccia, cubed
1 large egg
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock
1 cup diced parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup shredded

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
Add the leeks and squash and season with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper; cook until the leeks are soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the kale, toss and cover until the kale wilts, about 4 minutes.
Add the focaccia cubes and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and toss until the butter melts.
Whisk the egg and chicken broth in a bowl until smooth; stir in the diced parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt.
Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture; cook until the liquid is absorbed by the bread, about 1 minute.
Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Scatter the shredded cheese evenly on top and bake until golden and cooked through, about 40 minutes.
Set aside for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 8 Photos ›

Definition: Bratwurst

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:56 -0700

Bratwurst is a type of uncured, fresh sausage made typically from pork, and less commonly with beef and veal. It originated in Germany, and remains popular there and in areas of the American Midwest. While no standard recipe exists for brats, as they're affectionately called, the sausages are heavily spiced, and may include the likes of cardamom, celery seeds, caraway, and coriander.

The cased sausages, which are especially popular during tailgating season, are grilled or simmered in beer, then served with grainy mustard and other condiments on a hard roll.

Monday's Leftovers: Italian Sausage & Tomato Pasta

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:50:32 -0700

I got a little carried away at the grocery store this weekend, and as a result, I've got way too much Italian sausage left over in my fridge. So tonight, I'm going to assemble a quick pasta toss that makes the most of Italian sausage's fat and flavor without going overboard on the cased meats.

Since those links carry lots of zing, the key is to keep the rest of the ingredients sparse and simple. I'll add cooked tomatoes, red onion, and arugula to make it a balanced supper, and tie in all the elements with sprigs of basil and finely-grated Parmesan cheese. Presto: it's an alluring Monday night meal

Sunday BBQ: Italian Sausage Kebabs

YumSugar — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:00:09 -0700

This weekend might be a sunny one, and since I don't have any major plans, I'm thinking of inviting some high school friends over for an ultra-chill dinner. It's so casual that I'm not exactly positive what I'll be serving yet, but one thing's for sure: I'll definitely be grilling some of these skewers. They're goofproof to make, portable, and contain the perfect ratio of crunchy, charred bell pepper to spiced, succulent pork sausage and sautéed spinach. They take a mere 15 minutes to cook through, so get your hands on the recipe after the jump

Fast & Easy Dinner: Sausage and Summer Squash

partysugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:15:53 -0700

After a long week, the last thing you need to worry about is preparing a complex meal. Instead, throw together this filling and simple dish. Although the recipe cooks the Polish sausage and Summer squash in a saute pan over the stove, feel free to bring the ingredients outdoors.

Grill the meat and veggies then toss with the Italian dressing. Char the bread on the grill and you've got a no-mess meal ready to eat in under 20 minutes. Sound scrumptious? Get the recipe when you read more.

Sausage and Summer Squash
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

1/3 to 1/2 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz. cooked Polish sausage links, halved lengthwise, sliced diagonally
3 small yellow summer squash and/or zucchini, quartered lengthwise
4 wedges Italian flat bread, split
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Fresh oregano leaves
1/4 cup coarsely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat broiler. In small bowl combine dressing and garlic.
In extra-large skillet cook sausage and squash in 2 tablespoons of the dressing mixture for 8 to 10 minutes or until sausage is heated through and squash is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, place bread on broiler pan; brush with 1 tablespoon of the dressing mixture. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Serve sausage and squash with toasted bread. Drizzle remaining dressing; sprinkle green onions and oregano. Pass Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

'Wich of the Week: Grilled Gourmet Sausage on Olive Bread

YumSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:00:34 -0700

With this grilling-centric holiday upon us, I'm looking beyond burgers and dogs and drooling over gourmet sausages. I love the traditional toppings of grilled onions and red peppers, but rather than use a bun, I like to split the sausage in half and toss the goods onto some fancy-schmancy artisan bread for a surprising sammie that tastes like Summer. I'm lucky enough to live near Rosamunde Sausage Grill, which sells a delicious chicken-cherry sausage, but I recommend any salty-sweet combination, such as chicken-apple sausage, for this recipe. To see how it's made, read more.

Grilled Gourmet Sausage Sandwich on Olive Bread
Original recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
1/4 of a red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 gourmet sausage, such as chicken-apple
2 slices artisan bread, such as olive bread
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium.
On the grill, cook the sausage, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and place on a cutting surface. If desired, toss bread slices on the grill for a few minutes to toast.
Meanwhile, on the stove, heat the olive oil in a skillet over very low heat. Add onions and red peppers and cook slowly, for about 15 minutes, until onions are tender and brown.
Split the sausage in half lengthwise, so that it forms two thinner pieces of equal length.
Place the sausage split-side down on one slice of bread. On the other slice, spread mustard. Top sausage with peppers and onions, and place the second slice mustard-side down on top.

Makes 1 sandwich.

Print recipe with images | without images

Fast & Easy Dinner: Gnocchi With Sausage and Spinach

partysugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:30:52 -0700

While I always have fresh pasta on hand to use in quick weeknight recipes, I rarely employ gnocchi in the same way. However, this recipe is going to change that!

Wilted spinach, sauteed onions, and Italian sausage come together to make a sauce that is flavorful and filling. A generous helping of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, creaminess to the final dish.

For the recipe, read more.

Gnocchi With Sausage and Spinach
From Real Simple

Ingredients

2 9-ounce packages refrigerated gnocchi or one 17.5-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 5-ounce bag baby spinach
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmesan, plus more for garnishing

Directions

Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.
Add the drained gnocchi, the reserved cooking liquid, and the Parmesan and toss. Divide among individual bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

Monday's Leftovers: Warm Kielbasa and Lentil Salad

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:50:10 -0700

In Poland, pork sausage - like yesterday's leftover kielbasa - is traditionally served with fried onions, sautéed pierogi dumplings, or potatoes, but if you're looking for something that's a little lighter, consider an unusual kielbasa and lentil salad.

Here, the kielbasa is drained of most of its fat, combined with tender lentils and skillet-browned fennel, tossed in a mustard vinaigrette, and served with crunchy frisée leaves. Make this nutritious salad alternative when you read more.

Warm Kielbasa and Lentil Salad
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1 1-pound package dried lentils
3 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons coarse-grained Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil
1 pound fully cooked smoked kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, peeled, flattened
1 large fennel bulb with fronds, bulb and fronds chopped and reserved separately
5 green onions, chopped
2 heads frisée lettuce or 1 large head curly endive, separated into leaves

Directions

Place lentils, carrots and celery in heavy large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover. Stir in salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Transfer lentil mixture to bowl.
Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, mustard and sugar in small bowl to blend; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa and sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels. Cover to keep warm.
Pour off any fat from skillet and discard. Add remaining 1/2 cup oil to skillet; heat over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Discard garlic. Add fennel bulb to skillet and sauté until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add green onions and stir 1 minute. Whisk in vinegar mixture and bring to boil. Pour fennel mixture over lentils. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Line large shallow bowl with frisée leaves. Spoon in lentil salad. Arrange kielbasa slices atop lentils. Sprinkle with chopped fennel fronds and serve.

Serves 6 as a first course, or 4 as a main course.

Print recipe with images | without images

Sunday Slow Cooker: Kielbasa Stew

YumSugar — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:00:03 -0700

Make the most of the rest of your weekend by playing hooky and celebrating the luck of the Irish rather than laboring over a Sunday meal.

Using cooked pork sausage not only cuts down on your meat prep time, but it also provides a satisfyingly smoky depth to the other elements of the stew, such as carrots, cabbage, and chicken broth.

As an added bonus, the bold spices of the sausage pair really nicely with any full-bodied beer. To see the two-step recipe, read more.

Kielbasa Stew
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

4 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
3 cups peeled, cubed potato
1-1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 pound cooked kielbasa, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth

Directions

In a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker combine cabbage, potato, and carrots. Top with kielbasa. Sprinkle basil, thyme, and pepper over kielbasa. Pour chicken broth over all.
Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours.

Serves 4 to 5.

Print recipe with images | without images

Fast & Easy Dinner: BBQ Baked Beans and Sausage

partysugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:50:17 -0800

This affordable recipe turns an ordinary can of beans into a spectacular yet simple meal. With the help of supermarket sauces like barbecue sauce, tomato paste, and molasses, rinsed navy beans take on a sweet, smoky flavor. Combine with greens, onions, and chicken sausage for a dish that is balanced and filling. Before heading to the store, raid your fridge and pantry for the ingredients - red or white beans can be used instead of navy beans and really, any thick, juicy sausage will work wonderfully in this recipe. To check it out, read more.

BBQ Baked Beans and Sausage
From Eating Well

Ingredients

1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon molasses
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups chopped collard greens (about 10 ounces), tough stems removed
9 ounces cooked chicken sausage links (about 3 links), halved lengthwise and sliced
2 15-ounce cans great northern or navy beans, rinsed

Directions

Whisk barbecue sauce, water, tomato paste, molasses, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and collard greens and cook, stirring occasionally, until the collards are wilted, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add sausage and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes more.
Reduce heat to medium-low; add beans and the sauce mixture to the pan. Gently stir to combine, cover and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images