Brat Bake

(As in Bratwurst)

4-6 Polish or smoked sausages, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 green or red pepper (or a mix), cut into 1/2 inch to 1 inch chunks
1/2 to 1 lb fresh mushrooms, washed and quartered,
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 sweet onion, chunked
1 pint bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce (use a little pineapple juice to rinse out the bottle)
1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)

Slightly saute the cut onions in a frying pan, or in a small dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
After quartering the mushrooms, coat them in olive oil--also the zucchini if you are using it. This step keeps these ingredients moist and plump.
Add each ingredient into a 9x13 pan and mix. Cover the entire mixture with barbecue sauce and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees (until bubbly). Serve over cooked rice.

Variations:

As Kebabs


This recipe was actually invented as an easier way to cook shiek kebabs, but it can easily be reverted.

On the grill:

Let each guest string one or two skewers with their favorite ingredients, then brush with barbecue sauce and grill.

In the oven:

As above, but suspend the skewers over a 9x13 pan with a little water in the bottom to make clean up easier and bake at 350.

Or use a foil-lined broiler pan or a 9x13 pan and broil the kebabs until tender.

 
Sweet and Sour Oven Meatball or Chicken

Substitute cooked meatballs or a large can of cooked chicken for the sausages. In lieu of the barbecue sauce, make the following sauce using the drained pineapple juice, and pour over other ingredients:

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

2 Tbsp Cornstarch (or Clear Gel A if available)
6 Tbsp sugar
Pineapple juice with added water to make 1 1/2 cups
l heaping tsp fresh grated or bottled ginger (optional)
3 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp soy sauce

Mix sugar and cornstarch. Mix in all other ingredients in a one quart measuring cup. Microwave on high, stirring after 1-2 minutes, until translucent and bubbly.

You may also add steamed carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar peas, or any other ingredient you enjoy with stir fry. This is a great way to use leftover veggies. Bake as for the braut bake.Try sprinkling with cashews or peanuts before serving. Serve over cooked rice.