Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 5 cups chicken stock, divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked pork sausage, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Make the rice, in a medium saucepan combine the rice and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until all the stock is absorbed into the rice, about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile heat oil in a heavy-bottomed saute pan over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage. Once browned, add the garlic, onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup chicken stock and cayenne. Cook until the stock has reduced a little. Add the cooked rice and parsley and stir thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.

From: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/dirty-rice-with-smoked-sausage-recipe-1940658

Grilled Vegetable Platter 2

6 ServingsPrep: 20 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 3 small carrots, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 medium yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 medium red onion, cut into four wedges
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Dash salt

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the oil, honey, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano and garlic powder. Pour 3 tablespoons marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the vegetables. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.
2. Place vegetables on a grilling grid. Transfer to grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Transfer to a large serving platter. Combine reserved marinade and remaining vinegar; drizzle over vegetables. Sprinkle with pepper and salt

From: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Grilled-Vegetable-Platter/Print

Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot)

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground pork
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 1/4 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Place the pork and red wine vinegar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, brown sugar, oregano, and thyme. Knead until flecks of spice are evenly distributed through the sausage.
2. Use as loose Italian Sausage (not in casing)

From: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/216319/homemade-sweet-italian-sausage-mild-or-hot/

Chili

Seasoning Mix

• 4 T chili powder
• 1 T ground coriander
• 1T  ground cumin
• 1/2 t garlic powder
• 1 t oregano
• 1⁄2 t cayenne pepper
• 1 t salt

Chili

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small minced onion
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans (or mix black beans/kidney beans)

Directions

1. Mix together seasoning mix.
2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink.
4. Drain.
5. Add onion and 1T of seasoning mix.
6. In Crock-Pot, add tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1T of seasoning mix.
7. Place the beans in a blender and process until smooth.
8. Add beans and meat to the crock pot.
9. Stir together.
10. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.