• erin

    Dumplings with my family A recent graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, I found myself with no money, no kitchen equipment, and an exceptionally huge appetite. Ideas, improvisations, and yummy meal solutions were discovered in the kitchen of my very first apartment. Contact
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    This Month's Packed Lunch

    One of the fabulous suggestions I’ve received for the blog was from my brother’s girlfriend, Brenda. She said she hates taking boring lunches to work but can’t think of new and exciting things to take. Also, she doesn’t want to spend too much time doing it. The solution? A new monthly segment called “This Month’s Packed Lunch”! Each month, I’ll give you new ideas of things to liven up your lunch, whether you take it to work, school, or are planning a picnic and need something tasty.

    The first lunch couldn’t be simpler, but seems sort of out of the ordinary. This sandwich tastes really good cold, making it ideal for just tossing together and taking with you in the morning. It’s made with sausage, which sure beats you average turkey or ham sandwich. The relish I made yesterday is the perfect complement, and I added some pepperoncinis (one of my favorites) to add some acidity and a slight kick. I always say the best sandwiches are simple, and this one has it all: amazing texture from the bread, a great spread (which keeps the bread from becoming overly soggy while it sits), and just a little bit of spice. If you don’t like spicy foods, a good, garlicky pickle would be a good replacement.

    Sausage Sandwiches with Onion Relish and Pepperoncinis

    Makes 1 packed lunch.
    Leftover Potential: This can be made with leftover sausages or, when you’re prepping this sandwich the night before, cook a whole package of sausages. Then search “sausage” on my sidebar for lots of great sausage recipes to make for dinner!

    1 or 2 sausages (depending on how hungry you plan on being – I used Italian chicken sausage)
    1/3 baguette, halved
    2 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
    salt and pepper, to taste

    1. Cook the sausages in a saute pan until browned evenly on all sides. Continue to cook until they are cooked through (you can pop your pan in the oven at 350 for a more even cooking if you like), about 6-8 minutes. Let cool completely. You can either slice the sausage or keep it whole.
    2. Tear some of the excess bread from the center of the baguette to make more room for the sausages. If you’re keeping your sausages whole, tear out enough bread that the sausages will fit perfectly inside.
    3. Spread both slices of baguette with onion relish. Add the sausages and sprinkle with the peppers. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Wrap in foil or place in a plastic bag and take to work. The sandwich can be warmed, if you like, but it’s good cold too. Pack chips and a drink!

    One Response to “This Month's Packed Lunch”

    1. gawd this Brenda girl just sounds awesome ;-)

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