Italian Sausages, Bell Peppers and Onions for a Crowd

My dad and step-mom were known for tossing the best Christmas Eve bashes. No detail was left unattended. When the sun started setting we all knew it was time to start feasting and celebrating with our traditional family favorites. One of these favorites was Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper and Onion sandwiches.

As you can tell by my below recipes, this is also a favorite because it is 'do-aheader' and makes your house smell warm and inviting. If you are a person who likes to be prepared, plan on having a few copies of this recipe available for the guests who want to add this to their entertaining repertoire ...or of course you can send them to The Vaccaro Family Table Blog!


Ingredients: (Serves 8)

• 2 packages Italian Sausages (Depending on your taste, choose Mild, Sweet or Hot sausages - or a mix!)
• 4 bell peppers, sliced (Medley)
• 3 yellow onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 T olive tapenade (purchase in your deli)
• 2 T pesto (Costco has great pre-made pesto)
• 1/2 C red wine
• 1 lemon, squeezed
• 16 small, sandwich or dinner rolls, sliced

Directions:

• You can literally toss all of the above ingredients in a crock pot for 6-8 hours and call it done.
• However, if I have time I prefer to first bake the dish at 325 for 2 hours, then broil until the sausages brown a bit. I then scoop the ingredients into the crock pot to finish cooking.

Place the crock pot on your buffet table or island with a large serving spoon and tongs. Place slice rolls in basket. Serve with a selection of spicy and sweet mustards. Guests can either just eat the sausage and peppers or make sandwiches. This meal is great with a mixed green salad and perhaps followed with a healthy serving of Jan Barone's Tiramisu (recipe to come soon).

Enjoy!