Tuscan Thursday and Something New

Have you ever had one of those days when you think you know what your are doing, but it turns out you really don’t? Yeah, that’s a bummer. On the menu I had planned Italian Sausage Sandwiches. While that’s what I eventually made, it wasn’t the recipe I had planned.

Somehow I got it in my head that the recipe planned didn’t require much. Grilled veggies, sausage and a few buns. What could be easier? Hubby called to tell me he was on his way home – that was my signal to start dinner. Thursday, something Italian, sandwiches – a snap.

That’s when I opened my book (I keep my recipes for the week in a binder, divided by each day. It’s just easier). I began by gathering the ingredients listed. Then I glanced through the directions. That’s when it hit me. Hubby was on his way – dinner wasn’t even started yet – and there it was, the realization that I couldn’t follow the recipe I had chosen.

“Place sausage in a Dutch Oven or covered deep skillet. Scatter peppers over the sausage. Add chicken stock, wine and a pinch of salt.” No problem, right? “Cover skillet, place in a 300-degree oven and braise for 1 hour.” What? Oh no, we should have started this an hour ago. Time to wing it.

I looked at the ingredients on the counter, at the time remaining and said, sure, I can make something of this. Guess what? It was the most colorful, flavorful Italian Sausage Sandwich we had ever had. Hope you enjoy.

Zesty Italian Sausage Sandwiches
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper
1/4 Red Onion
1/4 Yellow Onion
1/4 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
2 tablespoons Wine Vinegar
4 Aidells Italian Style Sausage Links
4 slices Provolone Cheese
4 Sausage Rolls
Sub Sandwiches Dressing

Stem, core and thinly slice bell peppers, set aside. Peel and thinly slice onions, set aside.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian dressing and Wine Vinegar to the pan, swirl to coat. Add onions and peppers, sauté until just becoming tender, about 10 minutes. Push the vegetables to the outer edge of the pan, leaving the center empty. Place sausages in the pan, cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip sausages, continue to cook another 8 minutes or until sausages are heated through, and the skins have blistered.

Slice each slice of cheese in half to better fit in the sausage roll. Lay cheese in each roll. Drizzle with Sub Sandwich Dressing. Top cheese with an Italian Link, then top with vegetables.

Serve and enjoy.

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Your works, O Lord, are just and truth.