Hmmmm, I know what you’re thinking….this is not a recipe! That is exactly my point! On nights when the family is going in 10 different directions and dinner seems like a fragment of your imagination and you don’t have the energy to do “the gourmet” thing or even the “midwestern dinner” thing have no fear. There is hope on the horizon. The sun always does come out tomorrow. Hang in there. Please, oh please don’t give in to the drive through or pizza delivery.
Always have a freezer back up plan. Freezer must haves: Italian sausages, homemade marinara sauce or jarred marinara in the pantry, hot dog buns (frozen or fresh) and cheese slices and there you have it….dinner.
While this picture sums up what you need to do, here is a recipe to save the day on one of THOSE nights. Yes, even those of us who cook for a living have nights like that. This doesn’t mean that we call this dinner on a regular basis but it does mean that we are able to have dinner around the table without succumbing to fast food. Now I call that a win/win!
Italian Sausage Grinders
4 Italian sausages
4 hot dog or brat buns
Softened butter, if desired
⅓ cup marinara sauce, heated
4 thin slices mozzarella cheese
Preheat grill for medium heat. Lightly oil grate.
Pierce sausages in a few places with the tines of a fork. Place on grill and cook, turning frequently, until juices run clear and sausage is done (150° to 156°). Remove sausages from the grill and allow to rest 10 minutes.
Preheat oven broiler. If desired, spread buns lightly with butter. Place on a baking sheet and broil until golden. Place about 1 tablespoon marinara down the center of the toasted bun. Place Italian sausage in bun. Arrange cheese over sausage, cutting into pieces for the best fit. Return under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute until cheese just begins to melt. If desired, drizzle with additional marinara sauce.
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