Sausage Cranberry Strata Food

CHEESY SAUSAGE RIGATONI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions; drain and set aside to cool.
• Saute the onions in the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Crumble in the sausage, add the crushed red pepper and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the marinara sauce, mix everything together and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• To assemble, add about 2 spoonfuls of the sauce--just enough to coat the bottom--to a baking dish. Then layer half of the cooled noodles, half of the mozzarella cubes and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the process: layer the remaining noodles, mozzarella and sauce, then top with the Parmesan. Cover and put in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook.
• When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the rigatoni until heated through and bubbling, 25 minutes straight from the fridge, or 2 hours straight from the freezer. Garnish with minced parsley before serving.

SAUSAGE BALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Combine the sausage, baking mix and scallions if using in a large bowl and gently knead with your hands until the baking mix is fully incorporated. Add the Cheddar and continue to mix until the cheese is evenly distributed.
• Using a tablespoon to scoop, divide the mixture into walnut-size pieces and shape into balls with your hands. Arrange on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart, about 20 balls per baking sheet.
• Bake until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through, about 26 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SAUSAGE AND KRAUT

Steps:

• Soak the sauerkraut in a bowl of warm water. Cover the potatoes with water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Prick the sausages with a fork and add to the pot along with the pork; cook until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn the meats and add the onion, garlic, coriander, juniper berries, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the onion is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the apple and cook 2 more minutes.
• Drain the sauerkraut, then add to the pot along with the wine and 1 cup water. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, then uncover and cook until thickened, about 5 more minutes. Transfer the sauerkraut, meats and potatoes to a platter. Top with the parsley and serve with mustard.