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Tag: Sausage

Roasted Sausage & Cauliflower with Cumin and Turkish Pepper

Roasted Sausage & Cauliflower with Cumin and Turkish Pepper

Roasted Sausage & Cauliflower with Cumin and Turkish Pepper

1 1/4 pounds cauliflower, cut into florets

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

l pound Italian sausages, pricked with a fork

1/3 cup plain yogurt, preferably non-Greek, whole milk

1 small garlic clove

Turkish or Aleppo pepper, as needed

Toasted pine nuts, for serving

Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill or mint, for serving (optional)

 

Heat the oven to 425°F. Spread the cauliflower florets on a large rimmed baking sheet, and toss with the olive oil, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes. Coat the sausages lightly with olive oil, place them on another rimmed baking sheet, and add it to the oven with the cauliflower. Roast, turning them over halfway through, until the sausages are golden and cooked through and the cauliflower is tender and caramelized, about 25 minutes. While the cauliflower and sausages are cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce: Place the yogurt in a small bowl, grate the garlic clove over the yogurt, add salt and pepper to taste, and stir together. Place the sausages and cauliflower on a platter or individual serving plates. Spoon the yogurt sauce on top, and sprinkle with Turkish pepper, and pine nuts and fresh herbs if using.

Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato Hash

Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato Hash

Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato Hash

2 small sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces (about 2 C.)

1 C. Water

¼ tsp. Salt

Nonstick Cooking Spray

8 ounces uncooked Turkey Sausage Links, chopped or crumbled

½ C. chopped Red Onion

4-6 T. Water

2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar

1-2 tsp. Sriracha Sauce

4 Eggs

Fresh Italian Parsley, Black Pepper, or other seasonings

 

In a large skillet combine sweet potato, the C. water, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 5 to 8 minutes or just until tender. Drain. Spray the same skillet with cooking spray. Add sausage; cook and stir over medium heat until browned. Stir in onion and the 4-6 T. water, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet. Cook, covered, 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked sweet potato and the next three ingredients (through sriracha sauce). Cook and stir until potato is heated. Using the back of a spoon, make small indentations in the sweet potato mixture. Break an egg into each indentation. Cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until egg whites are set and yolks are starting to thicken. If desired, sprinkle with parsley and/or pepper.

 

Can also roast sweet potato in oven, tossed in a little melted coconut oil for about 10-15 minutes. Add chopped granny smith apples to the cooked sausage and onions, dump over roasted potatoes and return to oven for another 10 minutes until potatoes start to brown around edges.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 232

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 2g

Spicy Sausage Grits ‘N’ Cheese

Spicy Sausage Grits ‘N’ Cheese

Spicy Sausage Grits ‘N’ Cheese

 

Served alone or as a side to a plateful of eggs, these creamy, cheesy grits will wake up your taste buds with great spicy flavor.

1 (7 ounce) package chorizo

4 C. milk

1 C. quick cooking grits

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

½ C. shredded mozzarella cheese

½ C. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

½ C. shredded Cheddar cheese, plus more for serving

1/3 C. sliced green onions

 

Cook the chorizo in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain; set aside.  Bring the milk to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the grits, salt, and pepper into the milk and cook, stirring rapidly, for 4 minutes or until the grits thicken. Stir in the cooked chorizo and the cheeses and cook until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated.  Divide the grits among four serving bowls. Sprinkle each serving with green onions and, if desired, additional shredded Cheddar. Serve immediately.

Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

1 lb. Orecchiette pasta

1 lb. Spicy Italian sausage

1 lb. Swiss chard rough chopped with stems (1/4″ wide)

1 cup Cooked Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

8 oz Pasta water

1/2 cup Chopped parsley

1 tablespoon Lemon zest

2 tablespoons Lemon juice

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Butter

1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil

 

Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil with 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Cook the pasta until very al dente, about 8 minutes. Remove the pasta to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before discarding. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the sausage and brown. Add the Swiss chard and cook down for 2 minutes. Add the reserved pasta water and simmer for 1 minute. Add the beans and pasta and simmer until pasta is done, about 2 more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest, cheese, parsley, butter, and extra virgin olive oil and it is ready to serve.

Great British Fry-Up Breakfast

Great British Fry-Up Breakfast

Great British Fry-Up Breakfast

8 pork and leek sausages

2 tomatoes – cut in half

1 tin of baked beans

8 rashers smoked dry-cured back bacon

4 field mushrooms

6 eggs, cracked into a bowl

Thick sliced bread for toasting

A knob of butter for toast

Freshly ground black pepper and Maldon sea salt

 

Preheat grill to high, set the oven to 100°C (212F)  and put in 4 plates. Using a nice large tray put the sausages, tomatoes (cut side up) and mushrooms under the grill, about 5cm from the heat and cook for around 15 mins, turning the sausages once or twice. After this time add to the tray the bacon and black pudding and leave until the bacon is cooked and crispy. Put the baked beans in a saucepan and warm gently. Put a non-stick frying pan on a low heat. Add a knob of butter and the eggs with some salt and pepper and stir gently until just scrambled and cooked. Put the bread down in the toaster, arrange the eggs, sausages, tomatoes and beans with the bacon and mushrooms on the plates and when the toast pops up, serve with tomato ketchup, HP sauce and a pot of tea

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole

8 large good-quality sausages

4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

2 large red onions, peeled and sliced

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced

2 knobs of butter

Sunflower oil

6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 level tablespoon good-quality vegetable stock powder or 1 vegetable stock cube

¾ C. Milk

¾ C. Flour

A pinch of salt

3 eggs

 

Mix the batter ingredients together and put to one side. I like the batter to go huge, so the key thing is to have an appropriately sized baking tin, the thinner the better, as we need to get the oil smoking hot. Put 1cm of sunflower oil into a baking tin, and then place this on the middle shelf of your oven at its highest setting (240-250ºC/475ºF/gas 9). Place a larger tray underneath it to catch any oil that overflows from the tin while cooking. When the oil is very hot, add your sausages. Keep your eye on them and allow them to color until lightly golden. At this point, take the tin out of the oven, being very careful, and pour your batter over the sausages. Throw a couple of sprigs of rosemary into the batter. It will bubble and possibly even spit a little, so carefully put the tin back in the oven, and close the door. Don’t open it for at least 20 minutes, as Yorkshire puddings can be a bit temperamental when rising. Remove from the oven when golden and crisp. For the onion gravy, simply fry off your onions and garlic in the oil.

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

Pasta Bake with Sausage, Broccoli and Beans

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large head of broccoli, about 1 1/2 pounds, cut into small florets

3 cloves garlic, peeled

3/4 pound rigatoni

1 T. olive oil, plus more for pan

1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage with fennel (removed from casing if uncooked or thinly sliced if precooked)

1 can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

2/3 pound skim mozzarella, grated, 1/4 C. reserved

3/4 C. skim ricotta cheese

1/2 C. chicken stock

1/2 C. Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated, 1/4 C. reserved

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground pepper

3 T. breadcrumbs

1 T. olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 9-x-13-inch gratin or baking dish. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 tsp. of salt, broccoli and garlic. Simmer the broccoli and garlic for 5 minutes, until softened. With a slotted spoon remove the broccoli and garlic to a large bowl. Bring the water back to the boil, add the pasta, and cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest, about 11 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, a little firm. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add sausage and the garlic cloves from the broccoli bowl, and cook, stirring frequently until meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes, if using fresh sausage. (If using fully cooked sausage, cook until surface is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.) With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to the broccoli, and drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 2 T.. Discard the garlic. Toss drained pasta with sausage mixture. Add beans, stock, 3/4 C. of grated mozzarella cheese and all of the ricotta. Add remaining salt and pepper. Gently toss. Transfer to prepared gratin or baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 C. of grated cheese and 1/4 C. mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with olive oil. If making this in advance, allow the mixture to come to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Bake for 25 minutes, until heated through and crusty on top

 

From Cook Yourself Thin. 8 servings, 529 Calories

WIW: Waffled Biscuits & Gravy

WIW: Waffled Biscuits & Gravy

WIW: Waffled Biscuits & Gravy

In truth, making the sausage in a pan seems easier to me.  Making the gravy in a pan while the biscuits cook in the waffle iron would be easy though.

1 lb. breakfast sausage, hot or mild

2 Scallions, chopped, whites and greens separated

1 clove of Garlic, minced

1/3 C. all-purpose flour

3 to 4 C. whole milk, more to taste (you can sub part with chicken broth for a lighter gravy)

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, more to taste

Pinch nutmeg, optional

 

8 rounds Store Bought Biscuit Dough

 

With your finger, tear small pieces of sausage and add them in a single layer to a large heavy skillet. Brown the sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the scallion whites and garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle on half the flour and stir so that the sausage soaks it all up, then add more, little by little. Stir it around and cook it for another minute or so, then pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until it thickens. (This may take a good 10 to 12 minutes.) Sprinkle in the seasoned salt and pepper (and nutmeg if using) and continue cooking until very thick and luscious. If it gets too thick too soon, just splash in another 1/2 C. of milk or more if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

 

Meanwhile, Preheat a waffle iron to medium-high heat. Place 1 biscuit round into each section of your waffle iron, close gently (don’t push down) and cook until golden and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with the remaining biscuits.

 

Spoon the sausage gravy over warm biscuit waffles and serve.

Grits with Sausage, Green Chiles and Red Onions

Grits with Sausage, Green Chiles and Red Onions

Grits with Sausage, Green Chiles and Red Onions

2 tsp. Parmesan Cheese

4 C. Chicken Stock

1 tsp. Salt

1 C. Yellow or White Stone Ground Grits

1 C. shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 tsp. minced Cilantro

1/2 tsp. Tabasco

1/3 C. Evaporated Milk

Pepper

2 tsp. Vegetable Oil

1 lb. Spicy Sausage Links, cut into 3/4” slices

1/2 C. minced Onions

4 oz. canned Mild Green Chiles, julienned

1/2 C. shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

 

Butter a 1 1/2 quart casserole.  Add parmesan and toss well to coat.  Combine stock and salt in saucepan and bring to a boil.  Slowly stir in grits, stirring, over medium low heat until mixture begins to boil.  Cover, reduce heat to very low, and cook, stirring from time to time for 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is almost completely absorbed.  Remove cover and stir well, scraping bottom and sides.  Cook 3 minutes more, or until mixture is very thick.  Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, cilantro and Tabasco, until cheese is evenly blended.  Beat in evaporated milk and pepper to taste.  Set aside.  In heavy skillet over medium high heat, heat 1 tsp. oil until very hot.  Add sausage and fry until nicely browned on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes, adding more oil if necessary.  Add onions and chiles and cook over low heat, stirring often, until chiles are tender, about 5 minutes.  Tilt skillet to separate fat from mixture and scoop sausage mixture into a small bowl.  Spoon 1/2 grits into casserole and spread evenly.  Add sausage mixture; cover with remaining grits.  Chill2 hours to overnight.  Preheat oven to 375.  Sprinkle casserole with shredded jack cheese.  Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 tsp. olive oil

1 medium red onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 C. vodka, (optional)

1 medium red onion, chopped

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 lb. rigatoni

10 oz. baby spinach

12 oz. smoked chicken sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick

6 oz. fontina cheese, ; 4 oz. cut into 1/2-inch cubes and 2 oz. coarsely grated

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic. Remove from heat; add vodka, if desired. Return to heat; cook until almost evaporated, 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and oregano; cook until tomatoes are falling apart, 10 to 15 minutes. Add cream; cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta in the boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted. Drain, and return contents to pot. Add tomato sauce, sausage, and cubed fontina to pot; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide evenly between two shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dishes. Top with grated fontina and Parmesan. Bake until browned and edges are crisp, 20 to 30 minutes.

Turkey Sausage in Sherry and Garlic

Turkey Sausage in Sherry and Garlic

Turkey Sausage in Sherry and Garlic

1 T. olive oil

1 onion, sliced into half moons

Salt and pepper

3 links hot turkey sausage

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ c. dry sherry (not cooking wine)

1-14 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning

 

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onions and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Push the onions to the edge of the pan and add the sausage links. Sear the sausage for 3-4 minutes per side. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the sherry, then add the can of tomatoes with their juice. Adjust heat so the liquid is at a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce is well-thickened. Remove sausage links from skillet and slice on the diagonal. Return to skillet to coat with sauce and serve.  Good with crisp polenta triangles.

Ramen and Vienna Sausage

Ramen and Vienna Sausage

Ramen and Vienna Sausage

1 package of top ramen
1 can of vienna sausage

Boil a pot of water. Meanwhile, slice Vienna sausages into coins.  Add vienna sausages to boiling water. Add Top Ramen noodles and let boil for 3 minutes. Add Top Ramen flavored powder and stir. For better flavor and texture, you could slice the sausages, crisp them in a little fat, then add them to your cooked ramen noodles. But this would take 2 heat sources.

 

Baby Artichokes and Sausage Rigatoni

Baby Artichokes and Sausage Rigatoni

Baby Artichokes and Sausage Rigatoni

1 1/2 lb. artichokes (1 1/2 in. wide)
1 head fennel (3 1/2 in. wide)
1 lb. mild or hot Italian sausages, casings removed
1 1/2 C. chopped onion
2 tsp. fennel seed
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 C. thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/2 C. dry white wine
1 C. fat-skimmed chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 C. whipping cream
1 lb. dried rigatoni pasta
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
Salt

Break off and discard artichoke leaves down to the pale green, tender inner leaves. Cut off and discard thorny tips. Trim bottoms. Quarter artichokes (they will discolor). Trim out and discard fuzzy centers. Rinse and drain artichokes. Trim and discard stems and any bruised portions from fennel. Rinse fennel and thinly slice crosswise. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir sausages, breaking up meat with spoon, until brown, about 10 minutes. Add artichokes, fennel, onion, fennel seed, garlic, and bell pepper to pan. Stir often until onion is limp, about 10 minutes. Pour wine, broth, and cream into pan. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until artichokes are tender when pierced, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta in 4 quarts boiling water until tender to bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain pasta, put in a serving bowl, and top with artichoke sauce. Offer cheese and salt to add to taste.

Sweet And Savory Waffled Sausage Patties

Sweet And Savory Waffled Sausage Patties

Sweet And Savory Waffled Sausage Patties

2 T. maple syrup (sub reduced apple cider for variation)
1 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried marjoram
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lb. ground pork
nonstick cooking spray

Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Preheat the oven on its lowest setting. In a medium sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, sage, salt, black pepper, marjoram and cayenne pepper and mix well to combine. Add the pork to the spice mixture, and mix well with your hands. Form patties that will fit on one section of your waffle iron. Coat both sides of the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Place a patty on each section of the waffle iron and close the lid. With thin patties in a conventional style waffle iron, the meat may be done in as little as 2 minutes. Belgian-style machines or thicker patties may require more time. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the patties from the waffle iron and serve. Place the finished sausage patties in the oven to keep them warm while the others cook in the waffle iron.

Hearty Potato & Keilbasa Bake (One Pot)

Hearty Potato & Keilbasa Bake (One Pot)

1 lb. red potatoes, cut in halves or quarters
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 lb. baby carrots
2 Tp. margarine, melted
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 Kielbasa (or other sausage), sliced into thick rounds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray 13X9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine potatoes, onion, carrots, butter, salt, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper in large bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Place potato mixture into prepared pan; bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Add sausage to potato mixture; mix well. Continue to bake 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown

Savory Pudding with Sausage and Tomatoes

Savory Pudding with Sausage and Tomatoes

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 C. milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp. melted unsalted butter
1 tsp. coarse salt

1 pound sausage
5 whole scallions
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
10 cherry tomatoes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Blend flour, milk, eggs, butter, and salt. Brown sausage and scallions in olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron pan. Pour batter over sausages, and top with tomatoes. Bake until puffed and set, about 30 minutes.

Autumn Baked Eggs

Autumn Baked Eggs

1 lb. bite-sized tricolor potatoes (or any other potatoes!)
1 medium sweet potato (orange or white)
1 large yellow onion
1 apple (I used honey crisp)
10 oz. breakfast sausages (meat or vegan)
2-3 T. vegetable oil
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
eggs (1-2 per person)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Dice your potatoes and the apple into about 1-inch chunks. Dice the onion. If using meat sausage, lightly brown it in a sauté pan first so it is not raw. Slice the sausages into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the sausage, potatoes, apple and onion in a large mixing bowl. Add the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and paprika and stir to combine and evenly mix all the ingredients. Add the potato mixture to a large over-proof skillet or sheet pan. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the potatoes in between. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and carefully create a small well in the potatoes for each egg.* Crack one egg in each well, keeping the yolk intact, and return the pan to the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the whites are solid but the yolks are not. Serve immediately. *If you prefer not to bake your eggs, return the potatoes for another 10-15 minutes and cook your eggs as desired on the stovetop.

Goldens & Cherries Bacon Roll-Ups

Goldens & Cherries Bacon Roll-Ups

1/2 to 3/4 C. boiling water
2 T. butter, melted
3/4 C. Sun-Maid Goldens and Cherries
2 C. herb-seasoned stuffing mix
1 egg, beaten
1/4 lb. ground beef
1/4 lb. ground hot sausage
1 lb. bacon slices, cut into thirds

Combine 1/2 C. boiling water, butter, Goldens and Cherries and stuffing mix in a large bowl. Gently stir until stuffing is thoroughly moistened, adding additional boiling water if needed. Add egg, ground beef and sausage; mix well. Shape mixture into oblong balls measuring about 3/4 inch by 1-1/2 inches. Wrap one piece of bacon around each ball and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Set aside on paper towels to drain. Makes 3-1/2 dozen.

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs1 lb ground beef (or bison)
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme, minced
1 long sprig fresh oregano, minced
¼ C. roughly chopped flat leaf parsley
½ small yellow onion, roughly chopped
½ C. almond meal
2 eggs, whisked
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
Black pepper
¼ C. cream (optional)
½ C. finely shredded parmesan (optional)
¼ C. bacon fat

Remove the Italian sausage from its casing. Mix all of the ingredients, except bacon fat, together until well combined. With lightly oiled hands, roll the meatballs into the desired size. To cook, heat bacon fat in a sauté pan over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs. Fry 5-7 minutes, until bottom is browned. Turn meatballs to opposite side and fry until that side is nicely browned, another 5-7 minutes. Cut one open to determine if it is fully cooked on the inside. If not quite done, turn heat to low and cover pan for a few more minutes or put meatballs in a warm oven while you fry another batch.

Chorizo and Butternut Squash Tacos

Chorizo and Butternut Squash Tacos

Chorizo and Butternut Squash Tacos

 

12 ounces chorizo sausage

½ cup onion chopped

1 pound squash cut into small cubes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

2 cups kale. stems removed

½ lime juiced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 corn tortillas store-bought or homemade. warmed

¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

¼ cup chopped cilantro

 

Remove the chorizo from its casings and cook in a large skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate; leave the drippings in the pan. Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes, until golden and soft. Add the squash, garlic powder, and cumin and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the squash is soft. Add the kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked chorizo back into the pan and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat, and the lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. To assemble the tacos, place a layer of chorizo and squash mixture on each tortilla, top with some crumbled goat cheese, and sprinkle with cilantro.

Merguez Sausages with Scalloped Potatoes

Merguez Sausages with Scalloped Potatoes

Merguez sausages with Scalloped Potatoes1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 pounds fresh merguez (spicy beef; see notes) or lamb sausages
1 onion (about 8 oz.), peeled and slivered lengthwise
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
2 cups whipping cream
About 1 1/4 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
Chopped parsley

In a 10- to 12-inch ovenproof frying pan (with sides at least 2 1/2 in. tall) over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add sausages and turn until browned all over, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic to pan, and stir occasionally until slightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour in cream and 1 1/4 cups broth; stir in salt and pepper. Add potatoes. (Liquid should just cover; if it doesn’t, add more broth.) Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, gently stirring occasionally. Lower heat and barely simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender when pierced, about 20 minutes (do not boil). Arrange sausages on potato mixture and transfer pan to a 350° oven. Bake until cream mixture has thickened and is well browned on top and sausages are cooked through (cut to test), 40 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve potatoes and sausages from pan.

Chorizo de Mexicana

Chorizo de Mexicana

Mexican Chorizo

5 whole black peppercorns
3 whole cloves
¼ tsp. ground Cinnamon
½ tsp. Oregano (Mexican)
½ tsp. dried Thyme
2 tsp. Paprika
2 tsp. Salt
2 dried Ancho Chiles, stemmed, seeded, dry roasted and rehydrated
1 dried Guajillo Chile, stemmed, seeded, dry roasted and rehydrated
1 dried Chipotle Chile, stemmed, seeded, dry roasted and rehydrated
1 Chile de arbol, stemmed, seeded, dry roasted and rehydrated
2 cloves Garlic
2 T. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 lb. Fatty Pork (such as pork shoulder), coarsely ground

Place peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, paprika and salt in a blender and blend until peppercorns and cloves are completely crushed. Add rehydrated chiles to blended spice mixture, along with garlic and apple sider vinegar. Blend for one minute. If necessary, feel free to add up to ½ cup of water to the mixture to ensure it is thoroughly blended. Place ground pork in large bowl and top with spice mixture. Using a large wooden spoon or your hands, mix the pork and spices. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow flavors to combine. Freeze or refrigerate until use. Note: Sausage must be fully cooked before eating.

Tortilla Espanola, Portlandia Style

Tortilla Espanola, Portlandia Style

tortilla española12 large Eggs
5oz Bag Flavored Potato Chips, lightly crushed (Salt & Pepper, Bacon, Thai, etc)
2 T. EVOO
3 Scalliosn, sliced
3 oz. Spanish Chorizo, chopped finely

Preheat broiler and position a rack 8 inches from heat. In large bowl, beat eggs. Add potato chips and let sock for 10 minutes. In large oven-proof skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Odd scallions and chorizo and cook over high heat, stirring, until chorizo has rendered its fat, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg mixture, stirring to combine with sausage and scallions. Cook over medium high heat until the bottom and sides are set, about 3 minutes. Place in oven and broil until the top is lightly browned and the eggs are set through, 3-4 minutes longer. Slide onto a plate, cut into wedges and serve hot, warm, or room temperature.

Popover Pizza

Popover Pizza

popover pizza1 lb. Ground Beef or Sausage
2 C. Pizza or Spaghetti Sauce
12 oz. Mozzarella Cheese, grated
1 C. Flour
1 C. Milk
2 Eggs

In medium skillet, lightly brown sausage/beef and drain off fat. Add sauce and bring to a boil. Lower heat; cook 2-3 minutes. Pour into greased 9×13” baking pan. Sprinkle cheese over top. Combine flour, milk, and eggs; mix well. Pour over cheese. Bake at 425 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Shellfish and Sausage Bake

Sheet Pan Suppers: Shellfish and Sausage Bake

8 ounces spicy smoked sausage (such as andouille or fresh chorizo), cut chorinto 2-inch pieces
1 pound small Yukon gold or new potatoes
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
½ pound jumbo shrimp (raw), peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), plus more for serving
2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Preheat oven to 450° F with the racks in the upper and lower thirds. Roast the sausage and potatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack until the sausage is cooked through and the potatoes are nearly tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Add the mussels, shrimp, butter, and 1 teaspoon of the seafood seasoning to the baking sheet and toss to combine. Roast until all the mussels have opened and the shrimp are opaque, 12 to 15 minutes more. Meanwhile, roast the clams on a separate large rimmed baking sheet on the top rack until opened, 10 to 15 minutes. (Discard any mussels or clams that do not open after 15 minutes.) Toss the clams with the sausage, potatoes, mussels, and shrimp and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve with extra seafood seasoning on the side.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Sausages with Acorn Squash and Onions

Sheet Pan Suppers: Sausages with Acorn Squash and Onions

she-sausageacornsquash-001c-med109135_vert1 large acorn squash , halved, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
4 hot or sweet Italian sausages (3/4 pound total)
1/2 cup grated aged Asiago cheese (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss squash and onion with oil and arrange in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Add sausages to sheet. Roast until vegetables are just tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Heat broiler. Sprinkle Asiago and sage over vegetables and broil until cheese is browned and bubbling and sausages are cooked through, 3 minutes. Sprinkle with cherries to serve.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Roasted Sausage with Mushrooms, Squash and Polenta

Sheet Pan Suppers: Roasted Sausage with Mushrooms, Squash and Polenta

sausage2 cups (about 6 1/2 oz.) sliced cremini mushrooms
2 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
2 cups (about 12 oz.) precooked polenta, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 pound (about 6 links) mild Italian pork sausage
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Heat the oven to 425 degrees with a rack in the center position. Toss together the first four ingredients on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly. Use a fork to prick each sausage a few times, then tuck them among the other ingredients. Sprinkle on the rosemary. Bake until the sausages are cooked and nicely browned, stirring halfway through, about 30 minutes.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Chicken Sausage, Kalette, and Red Onions

Sheet Pan Suppers: Chicken Sausage, Kalette, and Red Onions

kalette6oz. Kalettes
1 small Red Onion, cut into wedges
3 T. EVOO
1 ½ T. Red Wine Vinegar
½ tsp. Salt
4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
3 Chicken Sausage Links (fully cooked, 9 ounces total), sliced into ½” pieces on the diagonal

Preheat oven to 350. Place kalettes and onions on a large rimmed baking sheet. Stir together oil and vinegar and drizzle over onions and kalettes. Stir to coat and rub mixture into vegetables with your hands. Tuck rosemary under vegetables. Roast 10 minutes; remove pan from onion. Top with chicken sausages, stir to distribute evenly and flip vegetables over. Continue baking an additional 15 minutes, or until everything is lightly browned. Discard rosemary sprigs and serve.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Bacon and Eggs Breakfast for Dinner Bake

Sheet Pan Suppers: Bacon and Eggs Breakfast for Dinner Bake

baconeggs1 cup (about half of 14-ounce bag) Lit’l Smokies Sausages (I use Hillshire Farm’s Smokies)
4 to 6 slices of bacon
4 eggs
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425. Arrange sausages and bacon on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until bacon is cooked. Remove from oven and move the bacon and sausages around, making 4 empty spaces for the eggs. Crack the eggs carefully so to not break the yolk and position in empty spots. I crack mine right over the baking sheet.
Add and spread out the halved cherry tomatoes.
Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Put back in the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Keilbasa & Pierogies

Sheet Pan Suppers: Keilbasa & Pierogies

pierogie2, 14 ounce packages Kielbasa (I like Hillshire Farms brand because it’s readily available.)
2 medium onions, peeled, halved, and cut into ½-inch thick strips
12 baby bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved (or 2 large bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into ½-inch thick strips)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
24 frozen pierogies
2 tablespoons canola or peanut oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons Tabasco or preferred hot sauce
½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
½ teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
Optional for serving:
any robust mustard like grainy Dijon, smooth Dijon, spicy brown, etc…

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the kielbasa into 4-6 inch lengths and arrange around the outside of the sheet pan. Toss the onions and bell peppers with the olive oil, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl then use your hands or tongs to move it to the pan, depositing it between the lengths of kielbasa. In the same large mixing bowl you used for the peppers and onions, toss the pierogies with the remaining ingredients to coat, then arrange those in the center of the sheet pan. The goal is to get as many pierogies touching the surface of the pan as possible. Try not to have multiple layers of pierogies. Place the pan in the oven. After 15 minutes, try to remember to flip the pierogies over, having any that weren’t touching the pan do so now. If you forget, it’s not a disaster, but they’ll be better if you remember. Bake an additional 15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes or until the pierogies are puffy and beginning to show signs of golden brown around the edges, the sausages are plump, and the onions are crisp tender. Serve immediately with a nice salad.

Sheet Pan Supper: Sausage, Root Vegetables and Brussels

Sheet Pan Supper: Sausage, Root Vegetables and Brussels

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1 pound trimmed whole Brussels sprouts
3 parsnips, cut into 1/4-inch slices
3 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
2 red onions, cut into quarters
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
Sprinkle of kosher salt
Sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
12 Italian sausages

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Add the Brussels sprouts, parsnips, sweet potatoes and onions to a baking sheet. Add the olive oil, sage, salt and pepper and toss. Put the sausages in and around the vegetables. Bake until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve

Sheet Pan Supper: Sheet-Pan Paella with Chorizo, Mussels, and Shrimp

Sheet Pan Supper: Sheet-Pan Paella with Chorizo, Mussels, and Shrimp

paellaNonstick vegetable cooking spray
1 cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio)
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon saffron
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 ounces dried Spanish chorizo, casing removed, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 shallot, thinly sliced
4 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deviened, tails left intact
1 pound mussels, scrubbed, debearded
3/4 cup canned chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
1/4 cup green olives (such as Cerignola or Castelvetrano), pitted, sliced
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley

Arrange rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Coat rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread rice on sheet and toast 5 minutes. Meanwhile, bring broth, bay leaf, pepper, paprika, saffron, and 1 tsp. salt to a low boil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Pour broth mixture into a measuring cup with a spout. Remove rice from oven and stir. Arrange chorizo and shallots evenly over rice and pour broth mixture carefully over. Cover baking sheet with inverted second baking sheet, then bake 20 minutes. Carefully remove top baking sheet, stir rice mixture, and continue to bake, uncovered, 5 minutes more. Combine shrimp with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Remove baking sheet from oven, discard bay leaf, and stir rice mixture again. Scatter shrimp, mussels, tomatoes, peas, red peppers, and olives over rice. Continue baking until rice is tender, shrimp is opaque and pink, and mussels have opened, about 8 minutes more. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl and toss with parsley.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Sausage, Peas and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Suppers: Sausage, Peas and Potatoes

peas3 or 4 Idaho potatoes, cut into 8 wedges
1 yellow onion, cut into thick slices
1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage
A few Tbsp. of olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (15-ounce) can of peas, drained; or, a 16-ounce bag of frozen peas, thawed

Preheat oven to 350°. Toss potatoes and onion in a large bowl with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Place them on a sheet pan with sausage links. Roast for about an hour and a half. Stir once, about halfway through. When the potatoes are lightly browned, the onions are crisping at the edges and the sausage is golden, sprinkle peas around vegetables and meat and continue roasting until peas are heated through, about 15 minutes

Chorizo & Corn Casserole

Chorizo & Corn Casserole

1 lb. chorizo sausage, cooked and drained of fat
3 C. shredded Cheddar cheese, about 12 oz.
2 T. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. black pepper
¾ C. milk
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
â…” C. sliced green onions, divided
1 tsp. hot sauce (or more to taste)
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped
4 cans (15.25oz.ea.) Whole Kernel Corn, well drained

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together cheese, flour and pepper in a medium bowl; set aside. Stir together milk, cream cheese, â…“ C. green onions and hot sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add corn and shredded cheese mixture; stir well to blend evenly. Mix in chorizo, tomatoes and cilantro. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining â…“ C. green onions.

French Lentil Salad with Garlic Sausage

French Lentil Salad with Garlic Sausage

Lentil and sausage salad 161 cup French green lentils
4 ½ cups cold water
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 medium peeled onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot (or 2 small ones), peeled & finely chopped
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, more to taste
14 to 16 ounces fully cooked garlic sausage
4 fresh sprigs of parsley for garnish, optional

In a heavy 2 quart saucepan or stockpot, bring lentils and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are just tender but not falling apart. This will take between 12 and 25 minutes. Taste as you go along for doneness. While the lentils simmer, heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a non-stick sauté pan over moderate to low heat, then cook onions, carrots and fennel seeds, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender but not browned, about 10 minutes, then add a bit of kosher salt to taste. Meanwhile slice the garlic sausage into ¼” slices. Heat sausages over low heat, taking care that they do not brown. You want them just to heat through. To serve, place a good size spoonful of lentils in the center of 4 plates and arrange 4 slices of the garlic sausages around the lentils. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil if you wish and serve right away, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley if desired.

Sausage & Chestnut Stuffing

Sausage & Chestnut Stuffing

ei1b06_turkey_sausage1 loaf day-old rustic Italian bread (about 1 pound), trimmed of crust and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
1 pound fresh chestnuts
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup homeade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
1 T. chopped fresh thyme
2 T. chopped fresh sage
2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp. coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Unsalted butter, for baking dish

Let bread cubes stand on a baking sheet at room temperature 3 hours to dry. Lay each chestnut flat on a work surface, and cut an X in the pointed tip of shell with a paring or chestnut knife. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Boil chestnuts 2 minutes; remove pot from heat. Remove chestnuts with a slotted spoon; peel away shells. Quarter nutmeat; transfer to a large bowl. Add bread. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Split sausages; scrape meat into a large saute pan set over medium heat; crumble with a fork. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Add oil; swirl pan. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft, 15 to 17 minutes. Add to bread mixture. Add wine to pan. Scraping up any brown bits from bottom with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat until wine is reduced by half. Add to bread mixture. Add stock to bread mixture; toss. Add thyme, sage, and parsley. Add the salt, and season with pepper. Stir in eggs. To bake stuffing: Place stuffing in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking dish; cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes; remove foil. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. To cook in turkey: Stuff as directed. Place remaining 5 cups stuffing in a buttered 8-inch square baking dish; bake as directed above.

Hot Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta

Hot Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta

hot-italian-sausage_3001 lb fettuccine
3 T olive oil
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, smashed
4 hot Italian sausages, casings removed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 T red wine vinegar
3/4 t kosher salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 cup baby spinach
1/4 cup Parmesan

Cook the fettuccine according to package directions, Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens, 2-3 minutes. Add the sausage and cook about 5 minutes, crumbling as it cooks. Add the tomatoes and cook until the skins burst, about 8 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the cooked fettuccine, basil and spinach and toss gently to combine. Top with the Parmesan.

Baked Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach

Baked Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach

rigatoni1 pound rigatoni noodles
a few handfuls of baby spinach (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
5 Italian sausage links, casings removed (one package, I used turkey sausage)
2 cans whole tomatoes (28 oz. each)
1 T. dried basil
1 T. dried oregano
1 tsp. kosher salt
a few grinds of pepper
For the cheese mix
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 tsp. dried basil
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

Boil the rigatoni for 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Add the spinach and boil with the pasta until just wilted. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, make the tomato sausage sauce by simmering the onions and garlic in the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook until the meat is completely cooked. Dump the tomatoes and spices in and simmer for twenty minutes to get the flavors to meld. While the tomato sausage sauce is simmering, make the ricotta cheese mix by folding in the ricotta, egg, parmesan and basil. Stir until completely combined. *Don’t add the shredded Italian cheese yet, we’ll put that in between the pasta layers. To assemble the rigatoni, ladle a cup of sauce into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan. Put half of the pasta/spinach mix over the sauce and ladle another cup or two of sauce onto it. Spoon half of the ricotta mix in dollops over the sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the previous steps, ending with a layer of shredded cheese. I sprinkled some more grated Parmesan on top to help get it all nice and golden brown. Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and turn the oven up to 400. Bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

Cheese and Charcuterie Plate

Cheese and Charcuterie Plate

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Creating your own version is a great opportunity to experiment with different meats and cheeses – ask your cheese monger what varieties complement each other. You could even organize the board thematically – go Spanish with Manchego cheese and Chorizo sausage with Marcona Almonds or if Italy is your inspiration, use chunks of good Parmesan Cheese and slices of Proscuitto with a small bowl of roasted red peppers. I like to serve this meal on a rustic wooden board.

selection of 3 cheeses (one cow, one goat, one sheep), slicing a few servings of each
selection of 3 cured meats (bresaola, soppressata and proscuitto), thinly sliced
olives
tupelo honey
raisin walnut loaf, sliced
baguette, sliced

Artfully arrange meats and cheeses (wedges and slices) on a board or platter. Fill in the gaps with small bowls: one with olives (along with a smaller bowl for the pits) and the other filled with honey. You want the board to look elegant but overflowing with goodness. Place your sliced breads in a basket, bowl or platter nearby.

What Cheeses And Meats Should You Use?

The best cheese and meat boards are diverse — don’t be afraid to experiment. Try to include at least one cheese from each of these predominant category:

1) A fresh cheese (fiore di latte and/or burrata)
2) A soft-ripened cheese (camembert and/or brie)
3) A semi-soft cheese (friulano, havarti and/or gouda)
4) A firm cheese (piave, spillembergo, aged provolone and crotonese)
5) A hard cheese (grana padano and parmigiano reggiano)
6) A veined cheese (gorgonzola and/or stilton)

If you want to add in meats, there should be an array ranging from smoky speck to a cooked item, like mortadella or a bacon-like pancetta. You may also want a cured sausage like salami or aged items like bresaola and especially the renowned prosciutto di parma.

Too Much, Too Little… How Much Should You Buy?

Since the cheese board is likely to be a starter to an abundant meal to follow, a recommended quantity is one to two ounces of cheese and three slices of meat per person. Remember, you’re trying to delight your guests’ palate, but keep their appetites intact for later courses.

What Do I Plate It All On?

Take the time and plate it right since it’s Thanksgiving. Treat the cheeseboard like a centrepiece. Use platters that are both ornate and practical. Food grade wood boards are great; if you have them, marble slabs are the best (flat, rimless and aesthetically pleasing, they’re also easy surfaces for cutting cheese on).

To Cube Or Not To Cube…

The look of wedge-cut cheeses is more authentic and requiring guests to cut cheese to their taste adds an interactive element. Only resort to pre-cut tasting pieces (like cubes) out of necessity.

How Many Knives Do I Need To Use?

Always use separate cheese knives for each cheese. This ensures the distinctive notes of each cheese are kept pure. Regarding meat, there is very little risk of intermingling flavours so a simple fork is fine.

What Else Should I Add To The Board?

Surrounding the board with appropriate accompaniments adds interest and contrasting yet complementary flavours. They also serve as palate cleansers in between cheese samplings and simply enhance all flavours. Notable accompaniments are: dried fruit like apricots and figs; nuts (natural and unflavoured) such as almonds and walnuts; sliced fresh fruit with mild notes like pears (or with a slight tang like apples). Meats are robust in flavour and their pleasantness is heightened by cured olives. The gaeta and cerignola species are marvelous. Also, accompanied meat with fresh fruit, like figs and melon, is divine.

 

What Condiments Should I Add To The Plate?

Condiments, condiments, condiments! Use them. They enhance the flavours of cheeses. The best ones to use include: wine-based jelly; lightly sweetened, concentrated fruit-based jams (pear and fig are ideal); fruit compotes; honey; and, especially, a product from Cremona, Italy, known as mostarda cremonese, which is a condiment made of candied fruit and a mustard-flavoured syrup. Finely sliced meats are best as is; adding the above alters the taste too much.

What Type Of Crackers Should I Use?

As a textural contrast, serve crusty bread, plain crackers, plain breadsticks or plain crostini. Mellow tasting items such as these achieve the texture contrasting element while their subtleness allows the flavour profile of the cheese to be at the forefront and untainted.

When Should I Pull The Platter Together?

Arrange the selected cheeses anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes before guests arrive to bring the cheeses to room temperature and optimum flavour; 15 to 20 minutes ahead is ample for plating the meat.

Now, What Type Of Wine Should I Serve?

Does cheese enhance wine or does wine enhance cheese? Don’t worry about it — just combine the two. Some brilliant pairings to the cheese categories listed above in tip number one are:
1) San Giovese and Pinot Grigio
2) Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
3) Zinfandel and Riesling
4) Chianti and San Giovese
5) Chianti and Barolo and Brunello
6) Prosecco and Port

Roasted Chicken Sausages with Brussels Sprouts, Fennel and Potatoes

Roasted Chicken Sausages with Brussels Sprouts, Fennel and Potatoes

3532f0a9578bb43a4b1479474e5a70758 chicken sausages
4 medium potatoes peeled and cut in large chunks
1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place the sausages in a roasting pan or two large cast iron skillets. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toss. Place the roasting pan in the oven and let it roast, rotating the sausages periodically, for about 10 minutes. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with a little more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add to the sausages and continue roasting for another 25 minutes. Stir periodically. Combine the brussels sprouts and fennel in bowl, lightly drizzle with a little more olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the vegetables to the roasting pan, stirring it into the sausages and potatoes, and continue roasting, stirring periodically, for another 15 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts begin to crisp on the outside and are just fork tender and brilliant green. Serve immediately.