(Family Features)
There is something about warm, delectable dishes and the aroma of a freshly prepared meal that really bring loved ones closer. This season, when planning your holiday menu, consider adding some scrumptious dishes made with quality ingredients that are sure to become fast favorites with your family.
Try the recipes below to help take your holiday dishes to a new level, perfect for the season. Find more holiday recipes at www.JohnsonvilleKitchens.com.
Risotto with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Peas and Asparagus
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
5 1/4 cups (42 ounces) chicken stock
3 sprigs fresh herbs; basil, oregano or thyme, (optional)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 package (19 ounces, casings removed) Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage
2 cups white button mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
2 cups Arborio rice or medium grain risotto rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound asparagus, stemmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup peas; fresh, shelled or frozen
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Shaved or shredded Parmesan for garnish
Pour stock into sauce pan. If using fresh herbs, add to stock and bring to gentle simmer. Cover until ready to use.
In large sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat, add onion. Sauté until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add sausages. Using wooden spoon, break up sausage as it cooks into bite size pieces until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add mushrooms; cook, stirring until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in rice; cook, stirring until kernels are hot and coated with oil; about another 2 minutes. Add wine; stir continuously until liquid is absorbed.
Using a ladle, add hot stock about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and making sure stock has been absorbed before adding more to rice. Continue adding 1/2 cup of stock and stirring rice constantly and gently. When rice is about half cooked or only 1 1/2 cups of stock remains, add asparagus pieces into rice and continue stirring.
When you have about 1 cup of liquid left, stir peas into rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring. Risotto is done when rice kernels are creamy on the outside and firm yet tender to the bite, about 20 to 25 minutes total.
When risotto is just right, remove from the heat; stir in shredded Parmesan cheese. Spoon into large soup bowls. Top with shaved Parmesan; serve immediately.
Spicy Sausage Queso
Yield: 6 cups
1 package (16 ounces) Johnsonville Hot
All Natural Ground Italian Sausage
2 pounds Velveeta process cheese, cubed
1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa
2 teaspoons fennel seed, crushed
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried basil Garlic toast
In skillet, cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink; drain. Place cheese in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until melted, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in salsa, seasonings and sausage. Microwave 2 minutes longer, or until heated through. Serve with garlic toast.
Italian Sausage Stuffing
Yield: 12 servings
1 package (16-ounces) Johnsonville Italian All Natural Ground Sausage
1/4 cup olive oil, separated
2 loaves (12 ounces each) focaccia bread
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1 small green pepper, diced
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
5 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups white wine, or chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
In skillet, cook and crumble sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil until no longer pink; set aside.
In large bowl, combine bread cubes and remaining oil. Sprinkle with pepper; toss to coat. Transfer to lightly oiled 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Bake at 350˚F for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned, stirring once. Remove pan to wire rack to cool slightly.
In very large bowl, combine bread cubes, reserved sausage, Parmesan cheese, green pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and garlic. Combine eggs and wine or stock; pour over bread mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Dot with butter, bake, uncovered, at 350˚F for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through and top is starting to appear slightly toasted.
Italian Sausage Appetizer Bread
Yield: 16 appetizer servings
1 package (16 ounces) Johnsonville Italian
All Natural Mild Ground Sausage
1 loaf (1 pound) frozen white bread dough, thawed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (7 ounces) roasted red peppers, well drained and sliced
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) Swiss cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
In skillet, brown sausage until no longer pink; drain.
On lightly floured surface, roll bread dough to 16 x 12-inch rectangle.
Transfer dough to greased baking sheet. Combine cream cheese and garlic, spread lengthwise over center third of dough. Top with sausage, peppers, olives and cheese.
Fold dough over filling, pinching seam to seal. Make slits across top of dough every 2 inches. Brush lightly with water and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
