Cooking is my absolute favorite thing to do. I learned to cook by watching my father and grandmother. I never wrote any recipe down I just watched, listened and asked questions. My memory was very good and so was my appetite. My grandmother never measured anything. I never seen her pull out a recipe card or book unless she found something in a magazine she wanted to try. When I post pictures of a dish I made I can tell you what I put in it but as far as the measurements go you’re on your own with that. I guess I took after my grandma. Lol. Now don’t get me wrong I do follow recipes and measure when it’s a new recipe but if it’s a dish I’ve been making for a long time or just something I made up then I’m not measuring. However, baking gets my undivided attention because pies and cakes should be measured exactly the way the recipe says. All I can say for that is do not mess up my desserts.
I cook everyday unless I’m sick or we ate out or someone else cooked. Summers are so hot and I try my best to stay away from the stove. My favorite season to cook is in the Fall. Temperature changes, leaves falling, and kids are in school and ready to eat when they get in. There are also so many new recipes to try or make up myself. Some days I pull out my crock-pot throw everything in and just relax. Homemade food is the best. I love when the whole family eats together. I also love when my kids help me out in the kitchen. I want them to become great chefs.
Johnsonville reached out to me to and asked if I could create a homemade recipe now that it’s getting chilly out. Johnsonville is known for their delicious sausage like their Andouille, Cheddar or Smoked fully cooked sausage. There are so many things you can add sausage to like pasta, soups, chili, stuffing or omelets. We also love a good sausage and peppers hero. It’s a must have in our house.
With the free coupons provided I decided to use Johnsonville Beef Brats (smoked beef bratwurst) for my recipe. We are a meat and potatoes family so I had fun coming up with the recipe I call: Smashed Potatoes and Brats.
Ingredients:
1 pack of Johnsonville Beef Brats
1 large onion
1 large green pepper
Jar of fire roasted red peppers (few pieces)
Bag of mini golden potatoes (Yukon)
Minced garlic in jar (put as much as you like)
Parsley flakes
Old Bay seasoning
Salt (pinch)
Pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. After washing potatoes pat dry, add seasonings and olive oil then rub all over. I used parsley, old bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Place potatoes on cookie sheet and bake till crispy about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your oven. In a hot frying pan pour small amount of olive oil then place sausage. As sausage is cooking after about 10 or 15 minutes add your onions and peppers to pan. Once onions and peppers are cooked to your liking add garlic last. If you add garlic too early it will burn before everything else is cooked.
Once everything is done take your potatoes and smash them with your palm on a plate. They will be slightly open. Cut up your brats into bite size pieces and add your onions and peppers. I also added more smashed potatoes on top and made it like a sandwich.
Serve with your favorite bread and a glass of sparkling apple cider. I also made more food with this meal but my recipe was for Johnsonville sausage.
I enjoyed making this recipe and we all enjoyed eating it. Sorry I didn’t get pictures of everyone eating their meal but we were busy stuffing our faces to smile. Lol.
I hope you try my recipe with your family and let me know how they like it. Maybe you added something to it or used a different Johnsonville product. You can comment below or leave me a tweet on Twitter @nilimonicky. I will be creating more meals so be on the lookout for more recipes on the blog.
Thank you very much Johnsonville.
Check out http://www.Johnsonville.com
Like on Facebook.com/Johnsonville
Twitter @JvilleKitchens for awesome recipes @JvilleGrilling
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post with a gift card to purchase groceries and coupons for free product. Opinions are mine 100% as always.
Five Little Words 
I always enjoy your post on home cooking because you truly have a passion for creating a great home cooked meal. Although I’ve never tried this recipe, my family uses Johnsonville for all our bbq’s. I must try this recipe!