Foil Equals Carefree Entertaining

Once upon a time when it came to entertaining, our big house with a big pool was the place to be. Big house gone, along with that over-the-top big life. In many ways I’m glad. Without all the noise and distractions, life is better.

These days entertaining is either participating in a pot-luck gathering at my sister’s big house with the big pool or on a smaller scale in our modest but comfortable home with a community pool. The best part about either is that I have more time to visit. Back in the day a party could mean upwards of 75 people or more to entertain. I ran myself ragged preparing food, drink and making sure everyone was having a good time from start to finish. Five minute conversations with your guests is no fun for anyone.

Pot lucks are nice because the food can be prepared ahead of time. That way when you get to where you’re going, you just ask the host where to set up and that’s it. One of the most important things when it comes to pot luck dishes that most people tend to forget are serving utensils. Bring the spoons or tongs or whatever is required. And if you are doing something special like putting together a Charcuterie Board, make sure you have all you need. Don’t be looking to the host for spreaders or crackers. That’s your job. And if you are bringing something to share, do yourself a favor, don’t go all crazy. Other people will bring dishes, too. So the back of your car need not look like a catering van.

Another super easy way to entertain are those oh so convenient foil pack barbecue dishes. Everything you need in one convenient foil wrapped package that you toss on the grill. Not only are these great for backyard barbecues, but camping trips too since you can make the packets up ahead of time.

Give yourself a break this 4th of July and keep things simple. I know I will – only making maybe a half dozen dishes for our pot luck. Just kidding. I promised Hubby I’d be good.

Smoked Sausage and Potato Foil Packs
1 (12 oz) Hillshire Farm Smoked Beef Sausage
1 lb Baby Red Potatoes
1 medium White Onion
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
3 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons fresh Parsley

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings. It is easy to double or triple depending upon the size of your crowd. Foil packs are amazing when entertaining. They can be made up earlier in the day and free you up to spend time with your guests.

Heat gas grill to medium-high heat. Cut heavy-duty foil into 4 pieces approximately 15-inches by 12-inches. Light coat foil with cooking spray and set aside.

Cut smoked sausage into one-inch coin-cut rounds. Quarter potatoes. Peel and quarter the onion, breaking into moon-shaped slices.

In a large mixing bowl, mix potatoes with onions. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss to season and coat.

Add sausage and toss again. Evenly divide mixture amount the foil sheets. Fold foil over the ingredients, seal middle first, then fold in the ends. Make sure foil is fully sealed.

Place packets seam-side down on the grill, cook for 10 minutes. Turn seam-side up and continue to grill another 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Shake the packets occasionally while grilled to prevent sausage and potatoes from sticking.

Melt butter, snip parsley. Remove packets from the grill, open carefully. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

This is great with buttery corn for a quick and easy meal perfect for entertaining or just relaxing at the end of a long day.

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Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Alleluia, alleluia.