Dine and Dish

Written for Paper Palate on the Well Fed Network

Like most mom’s out there, I am in awe each and every day of how fast time seems to slip by. I wake up in the morning and between the three kids, their school, my work, housecleaning, post-school activities, time with hubby, I am one busy woman. By the time I get the chance to sit down and breathe for a moment, the day is done. This is why Simple and Delicious magazine by Taste of Home is on my list of top magazines that I subscribe too. I love to cook, but I do not always have time for a meal that will keep me in the kitchen for hours. Simple and Delicious magazine offers recipes that can be put together in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients that I usually have on hand. A subscription to Simple and Delicious magazine is one gift that I include in all new bride presents and new mom presents.
The October 2007 issue of Simple and Delicious magazine is full of wonderful recipes that fit their simple and delicious criteria. I have several recipes dog eared for future use, but the one recipe I had to try the day the magazine arrived in the mail was for Smoked Sausage Primavera. Luckily, I had all the ingredients on hand and I was able to put a wonderful meal on the table in less than 25 minutes. The family gobbled this meal up, and because I was able to spend such a small amount of time in the kitchen and the meal required minimal cleanup, we were able to spend some quality time together in the evening as a family.

We are all busy and unfortunately we cannot stop time. With Simple and Delicious magazine in our arsenal, we can at least better manage the time we do have in order to spend the most time on what is really important to us… our family.

Smoked Sausage Primavera

· 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

· 1-1/2 cups frozen broccoli cuts

· 1/2 cup julienned sweet red, yellow and/or green pepper

· 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion

· 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices

· 1/4 cup water

· 3/4 cup evaporated milk

· 2 tablespoons butter

· 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large stock pot, cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding broccoli, pepper and onion during the last 4 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring sausage and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7-8 minutes or until heated through. Add milk, butter and Italian seasoning; cook and stir until butter is melted.
Drain spaghetti and vegetables; return to the pan. Add Parmesan cheese and sausage mixture; toss to coat. Yield: 4 servings.