Sausage, Apple & Potato Bake

 In the book Dinner a Love Story the author shares that she works a four day work week, with Wednesdays off.  On that day she calls herself the "Wednesday Wife."  On that day she is relaxed enough to make complicated meals, bake cookies with her children and have patience for everyone.  I laughed when I read this because here at our home, there is a Monday's Mom.

 I too have the luxury of a four day work week, with Monday's off.  I don't know who first started calling me Monday's Mom, but it has stuck.  She is the one who lets the kids sleep in on school days and drives them to school.  She will even pick them up at lunch so they can come  home for a break in their school day for a hot meal with mom (and maybe a little Food Network watching).  She greets them after school with freshly baked cookies or muffins and tells them to bring a friend home too.  Don jokes that on Mondays I will agree to do almost anything because I am just so happy and relaxed.

If only everyday were Monday, perhaps things would run a little smoother around this house too.  In the meantime, I'm always on the lookout for meals that can be easily made for the days I am at work.  This is where both the book and website for Dinner a Love Story can be super handy.  They really understand what it's like to try and feed kids with a busy family lifestyle.  I've made quite a few recipes from their site over the years, and I can tell you that Luke likes every single one of them.  (THAT is saying a lot!)  This Sausage bake is no exception.  Such simple ingredients pulled together in a short amount of time and everyone was happy.  If you have a busy family, or even if you don't I truly recommend checking these guys out.

Baked Turkey Sausage with Apples, Potatoes and Onions

adapted from Dinner a Love Story

3 cups whole small potatoes
1 red onion, cut into chunks
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme
salt/pepper
4 Italian turkey sausages
2 apples, chopped
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 425degrees
Combine potoatoes, onions, 1Tbsp olive oil, thyme and salt/pepper in a large dutch oven.  Place sausages on top and bake uncovered for 45min.  Using tongs, flip sausages over and then bake 10min more.  Toss apples with remaining olive oil and salt/pepper.  Scatter around the sausage and on top of potatoes.  Drizzle vinegar over whole dish and bake 5 min more.