Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Everyone loves the traditional bratwurst grilled, nestled into a bun and slapped with loads of toppings. During winter grilling might not be an easy option. If you are a midwestern, you are probably getting tired of the usual winter comfort casseroles and soups. Don't get me wrong they are tasty, but about now you are probably ready to spice up dinner and looking forward to bratwursts. If that is the case, this is just the recipe for you!

Spicy Jalapeno & Pepper Cheese Bratwurst Supper

Ingredients:
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon dice jalapeno peppers
2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
2 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded
6 strips of bacon, diced from Triple T Meats
4 Jalapeno & Pepper Cheese Bratwursts from Triple T Meats located at 401 Sherman Avenue Ackley, Iowa 50601 (If you don't live in the Ackley area and want to mail order our delicious bratwurst right to your door, call us at 641-847-0031)

Directions:
In a large skillet, fully cook the bratwursts and remove to the side. Cook the bacon and onion over medium heat, remove before the bacon gets crispy and place on paper towels to absorb the grease. In the same skillet, saute the bratwurst, mushrooms and jalapeno for 3-4 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender. Stir in spaghetti sauce and bacon mixture. Cover and cook until heated through (approximately 4-6 minutes). Remove to plate and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve with rice.

Makes 4 servings.

Who Needs A Bun?

This is just one of the many ways that bratwursts can be prepared without a bun. Stay tuned for more delicious bratwurst recipes. 

Football Fun: Super Bowl Entertaining

Have some football fun by showing your team spirit. Add two drops of green food coloring into your drink to support the Packers or four drops of yellow food coloring to support the Steelers. You can even dress up your dips with your teams colors. 

Stump your guests with Super Bowl trivia. 

Who was the MVP of the first Super Bowl?

Answer: Bart Starr 

Which MVP had his helmet stolen at the 1994 Super Bowl?

Answer: Emmitt Smith

Which team has had the most MVPs? 

Answer: Dallas Cowboys

Who was the only player to be awarded MVP from the losing team?

Answer: Chuck Howley

Which two teams played in the very first Super Bowl in 1967?

Answer: Green Bay Packers & Kansas City Chiefs

Which team won the first Super Bowl?

Answer: Green Bay Packers

After stumping your guests, they may feel compelled to stump you. Don't let them, here are some things that you should know:

What is a touchdown?

Answer: To score a touchdown, one team must take the football into the opposite end zone. (This is trickier than it sounds because lots of large mean men try to stop you from reaching the other end of the field, if successful this is known as a tackle)

What is a fumble?

Answer: A fumble occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being tackled (refer to above description of a tackle).

A two-point conversion is worth two points. 

What is an interception?

Answer: An interception occurs when a forward pass (throwing the ball forward) is caught by a player of the opposing team. 

If you really want to impress your guests, serve appetizers, veggie trays, meat & cheese trays and much more from Triple T Meats located at 401 Sherman Avenue, Ackley Iowa 50601. 

Try It Before You Make It: Featured Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti Pie

Ingredients:
6 ounces spaghetti noodles
1 8-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
16 ounces chicken breast
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions:
Beat eggs and set to the side. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, drain and then stir in butter while still hot. Add the parmesan and eggs. Pour spaghetti mixture into an oiled pie dish, forming the mixture into a crust. Spread cottage cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture.

In a skillet, poach the chicken breast. This is done by adding water to cover the chicken, bring the water to a boil and then reducing heat to a simmer until fully cooked. Add the onions and green pepper to the chicken while simmering until tender. Drain water and fat, then shred the chicken. In same skillet, stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano and garlic salt. Heat through.

Pour meat mixture into pie crust, on top of the cottage cheese. Bake, uncovered in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.

*Note: You can replace chicken with ground beef or sausage found in the Triple T Meats Retail Store.

Makes 6 servings.

This recipe is one of Christine's favorites. Thank you for sharing it with us Christine!

TRY IT BEFORE YOU MAKE IT, by ordering from our Thursday Daily Lunch Specials Menu. Stop in (401 Sherman Avenue, Ackley Iowa 50601) or order by phone at 641-847-0031.