Steelers Game Day Sausage Hoagies

The Steelers managed to make the Wild Card game, which we are watching right now. They are losing but hopefully that changes (doubtful). Anyway, Kenny wanted some Pittsburgh food so I did some research and found this recipe. It appeared in the January 29, 2006, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Food Section - "Pittsburgh Super Bowl Recipes" and he said it sounded authentic. Below is my spin on the Pittsburgh classic.

Note: I slightly changed it up a bit by using crushed tomatoes instead of whole plum tomatoes and yellow instead of green bell pepper, because green peppers are gross. I also used mild sausage, because we are old and our tolerance for heat is fading.

1 large onion, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

Olive Oil

Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder (all to taste)

2 big cans crushed tomatoes with added basil

1 lb mild Italian sausage

Provolone or mozzarella cheese

Hoagie buns

1. Boil sausage in a pot of water for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to dry.

2. In large deep skillet, saute sliced onions and peppers in olive oil until transparent (approx. 6 minutes).

3. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to vegetables. Pour tomatoes into skillet and stir well. Allow to simmer then lower heat to low, partially cover and allow to simmer.

4. Cut sausage in half. Brown the sausage lightly in a frying pan then add to the sauce.

5. Continue to cook sauce with sausages for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Cut hoagies in half length wise. Place cheese as the base then assemble with the sausage, peppers, onions and sauce.

Pad Krapow (Thai Basil Beef)

 My friend, Sindy, grows Thai basil and frequently shares her bounty with us. I love tearing into the leaves and smelling the fragrance. I made this tonight and Chay had seconds so its a keeper.

Sauce

1 T Dark Soy Sauce

1 T Lite Soy Sauce

2 T fish sauce

2 T brown sugar

1 T oyster sauce

1 T lime juice

1/2 t each of ground coriander, ground ginger, pepper

1 t Sambal Oelek

1 t toasted sesame oil

1 t cornstarch

Stir Fry

1 T vegetable oil

1 lb ground beef

6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 jalapenos or serrano chili peppers or fresno chili pepper (Kenny and Chay aren't spicy food fans!)

1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 small red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup Thai basil leaves (no stems)

1. Whisk together Sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. (I used the cast iron skillet tonight because the wok died a few weeks ago. It worked great!)

3. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break up into large pieces and flatten against the pan. Cook undisturbed for about a 1 minute to sear. Flip meat and press flat against the pan and cook for another minute. Crumble meat into smaller pieces while continue to cook. Drain excess grease.

4. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, chilies and garlic and stir fry for 2 minutes.

5. Stir sauce to recombine and add to the skillet. Stir fry for another 2 minutes.

6. Add the basil and cook until meat is horoughly cooked and onions are slightly tender. 

7. Serve over rice and garnish with additional peppers or lime (optional).

Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

 New Year's Eve was celebrated at our friends, Mark and Michelle's house with a euchre tournament and our euchre buddies. As always, it was a great time. I made this mac and cheese and everyone seemed to like it!

1 16 oz box cavatappi or penne pasta

2 T butter

2 cups milk

8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese grated from the block (not out of a bag) plus more to use on the top 

4 oz Velveet cheese, cut up into chunks

1 lb bacon, diced

5 jalapenos, veins and seeds removed, sliced

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.

2. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook bacon in a large pan. Remove from grease and let drain on paper towels. 

4. Drain grease (leave a T in the pan). Add jalapenos and saute a couple of minutes to soften. 

5. In medium saucepan, melt butter, then add milk and heat.

6. Add cheeses and continue to heat over medium heat, stirring, until cheese is melted and combined.

7. In large casserole dish, combine pasta, cheese sauce, bacon and jalapenos.

8. Top with additional grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let sit about 5 minutes before serving.