Sausage and Peppers (Freezer Meal)

This versatile, crowd pleasing favorite can be served over pasta accompanied by garlic bread, salad and a great Cabernet for an elegant, easy dinner party. Or, serve on Italian Bread as a special addition to a casual barbecue. Either way, your guests will beg you for the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. package of sweet Italian sausages (about six sausages per package)
• 1 large green bell pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped)
• 1 large red bell pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped)
• 1 large onion (coarsely chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (tip: If you are out of fresh garlic, substitute with one tablespoon garlic powder)
• 2 cups jarred or homemade marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chardonnay or pinot grigio

Directions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Place sausages on pan (disposable works best) and heat in oven for ten minutes, turning occasionally. While sausages are cooking, place olive oil in skillet and heat over medium heat. Add chopped peppers, onions, and garlic. Cover.

Remove sausages from oven and cut into small, bite-size pieces. Place in skillet with peppers, onions and garlic. Add marinara sauce and wine. Mix, cover, and simmer on low heat until peppers and onions are tender and sausages are thoroughly cooked.

Allow to cool to room temperature and place in single-meal sized containers (the size of the container will depend on how many people you usually serve). Freeze.

Directions for preparing the frozen meal:

Allow to defrost in the refrigerator or defrost in microwave until softened. Transfer form containers to skillet, and simmer until thoroughly cooked.