BBQ Mini Sausages

My family has never never been one to watch sports. We may spot a game on Thanksgiving or when we're visiting the cousins, but that really the extent of it. Despite this, every year my family makes it a point to get together to the watch the biggest game of the year—the Super Bowl. We might flip a coin to determine which team to root for (a mortal sin for you football fans) or get more excited about the commercial breaks than the actual game, but we make sure there is proper football celebration.

But, honestly, I think the reason we all sit around and watch the game is for the food.

My mother always makes a huge pot of chili and stews it in the crock pot all afternoon. She also makes sure to cook up a batch of these BBQ sausages. Though they slow cook all afternoon, I tend to steal a mini sausage or two whenever I find myself in the kitchen much to the dismay of my mother ("Save them for dinner!"). The smell is absolutely phenomenal. I don't think I can be blamed for my actions.

When it comes time for dinner (and the game), there is bread and chips and m&m's up to our ears. We cheer when anyone makes a touchdown. We take our bathroom breaks while the players are on the field. But we enjoy ourselves and each other.

I think that's what really counts.

These BBQ Mini Sausages are great for snacking. The barbecue sauce is made with a combination of grape jelly and chili sauce and, while slightly unusual, is absolutely delicious. The grape jelly brings a sweet quality to the sauce and, depending on the chili sauce you use, you can spice it up as much as you please. The sauce has a deep depth of flavor, with hints of molasses and the acidity of lemon. Because these mini sausages can slowly simmer in the crock pot all day, you can steal the perfect bite-size snack at any time (and as many times as you please).

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Savory Sundays: Zuppa Toscana

I have always loved a nice bowl of soup. In fact, for many years I was certain I could survive on soup alone (that is, until I realized I could scarcely go 6 hours without chocolate). Several people have complained to me that soup doesn't have enough substance or texture to satisfy and therefore couldn't possibly stand alone as a meal. Soup would only ever be appetizer material. How ridiculous! This makes me wonder—have they only been exposed to condensed soups?

The record needs to be set straight.

Soups can be dense, hearty, and undeniably filling. One bowl of this Minnesota Wild Rice Soup stuffed me to the brim. There are so many textures and varieties—not to mention chowder, stew, and chili! I may be a bit of a soup fanatic but, really, with so many options, how could anyone get bored so quick? Even vegetarian soups can be hearty enough to satisfy a hungry stomach.

If you are the type of person who considers soup a side to a sandwich, this week I challenge you to shift your perspective. Make a soup so hearty that it will be impossible for that sandwich to be the center of attention.

Zuppa Toscana features potato, onions, garlic, and sausage bathed in a creamy chicken broth with kale. This soup is very aromatic and will certainly leave your home smelling delicious. Based on a soup featured at one of my favorite Italian chain restaurants, this soup will not disappoint your taste buds. If you like the original but don't feel like going out, you can make this soup in the comfort of your own home. I might be a bit biased, but I think it tastes even better than the original.

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