Day 242: Roasted Sausages with Grapes and Onions
Aw shucks you guys.
I am starting to realize that I of course have the option to continue on with this blog despite its expiry date; my worry, I think, is whether or not I’ll keep on top of it when I don’t really have to, without the overlying obligation to post every single day. So much of the appeal is that I have to post every night, even when, like right now, Mike is sitting downstairs with the movie cued up and waiting for me to finish to start. That, and the nagging guilt that really if I’m going to spend time at something every day of my life, shouldn’t it be productive either in a financial way or promoting W’s healthy development? But then again people have all sorts of hobbies that they spend time and money on just because it’s fun.
So I had heard, or read, or seen someone roasting sausages with grapes at some point in the past year or so, and made a mental post-it note to try it sometime. Last weekend I was excited to bring a little cardboard basket of Concorde grapes home from the market. (When I got home, the interaction went something like this: Mike: “no way! Concorde grapes!” Me: “How did you remember that these were Concorde grapes?” Mike: “because they are the most awesome fruit in the world” – he earned a few bonus points in those few seconds, let me tell you.)
But they were a little on the sour side; a bit too hard-core for us to make it through half the basket, and when W ate one he blasted it back out like it was poison. (Not as violently, though, as he did the first time he ate a mouthful of olives, mistaking them for grapes. Mommy, those are angry grapes!) So a half basket of dark grapes thinking about going south is a perfect opportunity to put the aforementioned sausage experiment to the test.
It turned out to be one of the simplest things I’ve made, ever, and perfect for company, which we had for lunch. (Confession: this was technically lunch, but since it was consumed mid-afternoon and then we didn’t feel much like eating at dinnertime, save for a small stack of chocolate-covered digestive cookies and a bowl of Raisin Bran for W, and because we hardly ever eat lunches like this, I think it becomes dinner by default.) Twelve people came and went through the afternoon (half of them under 12), and this is as easy to make for 12 as it is for 2. I laid a base of grapes and about half a slivered purple onion in a baking pan and laid 8 big sausages overtop (mild and hot Italian, alternately, although I suspect any kind would do just fine), drizzled with a tad of oil (I don’t think this was necessary, but more an act of habit whenever I roast anything) and at the last minute thought to lay a few sprigs of rosemary on top.
The grapes, of course, gave up their juices along with the sausages, making a tangy sort of sauce to drizzle over them. Next time I’ll add a splash of balsamic, I think, and perhaps cook the sauce down to a stickier consistency after removing the sausages.
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To go with, roasted potatoes; since the sausages needed to roast for about 45 minutes at 400F, I just slid a rimmed baking sheet of chunked new potatoes tossed in oil underneath. Next time I’ll make smashed or mashed potatoes – a better vehicle I think for all that meaty sweet-sour sauce. I can’t wait to make this combo when it’s minus 30 outside. Maybe in January.
Time really does fly, and you’re 2/3 through the year. I’ve said it before, but I think it bears repeating – your blog has inspired me to expand my culinary horizons (while shrinking my waistline) I cook from recipes on your blog, in City Palate, and in your books all the time. I am grateful for all the time and effort and I understand if you’re tired of taking pix and blogging night after night. Whether you choose to call it quits or cut back to weekly/monthly …I don’t think anyone is going to hold it against you.
Some of the things I’ve made this week: your Chocolate Cake for Ali’s Birthday tonight https://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2008/04/20/day-112-cinnamon-bun-french-toast-and-chocolate-cake/ tonight and Ali declared them “better than anything Mom!” there’s no higher praise from a 7yo I’d say. And they scored points with T(my calorie counting DH) for being lowfat/lowcal and still deeeeelicious.
The Lentil Barley Salad on Wednesday for lunch… which was also Thursdays lunch and it ages soooo well YUM! I’ve never cooked Barley. Ever. And now I’m looking for other ways to use it 😀
I made the venerable Chocolava cookies to take to the CIFB to share with other volunteers on my weekly shift…
Mango Chicken in Wonton cups for a party… leftover wontons were made into crisps…
and the list goes on…
One of these days (when I’m looking to indulge) I’ll also make the Cinnamon Bun French Toast from Day 111 – maybe make it an all out splurge day with the chocolate-dipped cheesecake-sicles and other naughty treats – like the prosciutto wrapped figs 😉
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Julie and Thank you to M & W too 🙂
Julie,
I would be so happy if you continued to do a daily blog! It has become a part of my day to read it. I have made quite a few of your recipes and they’ve been great. When I’m looking for a recipe I’ll remember something I saw on your site instead of searching through recipe books. The recipes stick in my mind more than, say, something I saw in a magazine. Your blog has been enjoyable to read as well as useful: actually trying the recipes, reading your tips and techniques, seeing the process of cooking and meal planning through your eyes. Thank you so much!
I really appreciate your recipes and whether you continue full time, part time or not at all I’m very thankful for the 2008 year. Your blog brightens my day!
Julie, I’ve been a shirker…I’ve never left a comment to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your blog this past year. You’re my favourite food blog!
You’ve brought a lot of enjoyment to your readers, especially this one…I’ve even posted your link on my own blog…so it would be hard to say good bye!
Without adding guilt about continuing…but if you still like doing the blog, what if you set another kind of goal, one that’s not so committed every single day, but you still give us a chance to catch glimpses into your life in your Calgary kitchen once in a while.
Whatever you decide…have fun with it! And thanks for a great year of wonderful cooking ideas. My recipe binder has print-outs of numerous ones!
Brenda
This is my dinner tonight! Thanks again for another recipe for me to liberate!
~Polythionic
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I really like and appreciate your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.