easy apps

Dad’s Sausages

Ok, many of you may know these as cocktail sausages. I think often people use Vienna style sausages. But when I have these little round beauties I can’t think of anyone else but my dad. The smell of these cooking for almost every special gathering is like synonymous with holiday cheer. They are extremely easy to make. I mean at it’s technical height its about not cutting the meat too thin (because it shrinks as it cooks), while not making it too hunky to eat in one bite. You could make your own chili sauce (and I have) but that’s not dad’s recipe. And who can’t use a simple and tasty appetizer when hosting a gathering?

1 pound cooked sausage such as Dearborn Holiday Sausage (Kielbasa), sliced in rounds about 1/2″ thick

1 – 12 oz bottle chili sauce (such as Heinz)

*Can be easily double, tripled, quadrupled…

Place all ingredients in a crockpot on high for about 3 hours or on the stove top at a simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. When the sauce has reduced (thick and sticky) and sausages are loaded with flavor, serve retro cocktail party style with toothpicks. Stay Classic.

Loving Lately ❤

Easy apps could easily make a weekly appearance on Loving Lately. For someone who likes to entertain as much as I do, quick and simple appetizers are greatly appreciated. I always want to make my guests feel welcome, and obviously I love to feed anyone who comes through the door. I wish I was one of those people who always had a big pot of something cooking on the stove, but I’m not (yet). I can however offer you a good cup of coffee, and a tasty bite… usually containing cheese. (Have I mentioned my love of cheese?)

Loving Lately #1: Goat Cheese and Dill (pictured above)

This recipe is from The Pioneer Woman, and honestly I don’t think it could get any easier. If you can chop some dill and unwrap some cheese you’re set. I like to pair mine with toasted pita chips (more like crackers). It just seems Mediterranean doesn’t it? But I also like to give my guests some options. I already knew I like goat cheese, but I’m not usually a huge fan of dill. Until now! Something about it just works. You should give it a try.

Loving Lately #2: Cast Iron

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I could actually make a whole blog post out of this alone. I can’t say enough about it. I love how it connects me to the past. I love the crust it gives my cornbread. I love the way it makes pineapple upside cake. I love that I can fry up sausage and get it crispy or how I can bake the same pan in the oven and make a giant cookie. I don’t think I would feel like a home cook without a cast iron fry pan. And camping certainly wouldn’t be nearly as fun. (By the way making biscuits over a campfire in a cast iron dutch oven is sheer joy! …for someone who enjoys those things.) If you don’t have any cast iron I urge you to try it. Lodge is a company in Tennessee, USA, They make great reputable products! Click here for more information.

Loving Lately ❤

Loving Lately 1: Easy Apps – Roasted Garlic Onion Jam & Brie (Pictured above)

I love easy appetizers. Who doesn’t? The kind of things that are really easy to throw together that are still really delicious and special. I also love brie and impromptu gatherings. Years ago we were at a specialty foods store in a Northern suburb of Chicago, and they were offering samples of Stonewall Kitchen’s Roasted Garlic Onion Jam on brie. At that time I would have never thought to put the two together. Now it’s hard to imagine them apart. (Don’t knock it until you try it.) I have also seen the Stonewall Kitchen line of products at Macy’s and Kroger.

Loving Lately 2: Tara

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Tara is a friend like a sister. She is worth her weight in gold, especially when it comes to child care. I think she takes more safety precautions with my children than I do (that’s saying something). She also does Sunday school lessons for our church. And she happens to make really cute projects to help the kids remember the teachings.

Matthew 6:21

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is…”


“…there your heart will be also.”

And

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Jars of honey

Thank you Tara! Your time with my children is precious! They love you! Thank you for loving them.