Sausage with Apples and Orange Zest

6 Italian sausages, or sausages with apples
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 apples, peeled and cut in small ½ inch pieces
½ tablespoon dry thyme

½ tablespoon dry oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of ½ orange
2-3 tablespoons fresh Italian Parsley, roughly chopped

 Directions:

1.      In a saucepan filled with water, boil the sausages for about 10 minutes.  This will release some of the fat in the sausage.

2.      In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Add the onion and cook until the onions are translucent and just golden.

3.      Cut your sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Cook them until they are evenly brown. 

4.      In the same skillet, add the apple pieces, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper, and zest.  Simmer for another 5-7 minutes. If the dish appears to be dry, drizzle more olive oil. Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Add the fresh parsley and the end, and serve with bread

It was almost game time and I wanted to bring a dish to a new neighbor’s house who had invited us.  I had not done my shopping yet and I seriously didn’t feel like going to the grocery store.  I surveyed my pantry and freezer. I found some frozen sausages and fresh onions and apples. I thought the combination would probably taste delicious together. It was the first time I have made this recipe. 

This dish spoke for itself at game time... there was a wonderful smell of browned sausages and the exciting aroma of cooked apples and orange zest permeating in the room.  Needless to say, it turned out to be a delicious dish.  When you make it, be sure to take your time cooking the onions and sausages.  You cannot hurry them or you will  have flavorless food.