Pantry Staples

With the cold weather, and always a chance for snow, it is nice to have a few "go-to" recipes for those days when we want to stay inside!  This is a good time of year to have items in the pantry and freezer to prepare dinner without going to the store!  Of course, my shopping list always includes onions, garlic and peppers; so I always have a few fresh ingredients, too!  Some recipes will allow you to use frozen vegetables; either from the frozen food section or freshly chopped and frozen in small containers.  You can also buy chopped garlic stored in jars...a handy substitute for fresh garlic!

I hope you enjoy the snow...if it snows where you are!  Our kids will come in cold and starving; looking for something warm to eat!  Keep the fridge full!!

This recipe is requested by my oldest son...I often forget that I have the ingredients to make it!  It really isn't a casserole; it is a skillet or one pot dish!  The addition of sour cream seems a little strange, but it is so good!

Sausage Casserole

1 lb. breakfast sausage (regular or hot)
Onion, chopped (per your taste)\
Bell Pepper, chopped (per your taste)
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbl. sugar (optional)
1 cup macaroni noodles
2 cups sour cream

Brown sausage; when almost done, add onions and peppers.  Continue to cook until vegetables are tender.  Add tomatoes, chili powder, salt and sugar.  Bring to a simmer; add noodles.  Cook, covered until noodles are tender.  Stir in sour cream; heat until warm, but not boiling.  Stir until well combined.  Served with a salad...dinner is ready!