Does Your Summer Schedule Need A 30-Minute Meal?

Have you gotten the school supplies list yet? If not, it is coming! I got Max's this week and the reality that school is coming started to set in hard. As much as I try to ignore it, deny it and pretend it isn't happening, we only have about a month left before he will be off to Kindergarten, abandoning Mommy, all day, every day. 

Sorry, was that a little dramatic? I won't lie, I am struggling with the thought of having a Kindergartner and a Senior. I've told people for years the 12 year age difference is perfection, a true gift from God, but for this ONE week when they both head off to school, one for the very first time, and one for the very last time...Mommy is going to shed some tears. Big, crocodile, sobbing tears. 

But you know what? Summer is still here for now, and I am hanging on to it with my fingers and toes. I am trying to find ways to suck all the fun we can out of summer as long as we can. 

So what does that have to do with food? Plenty! We are so busy right now, I need quick and easy meals so that I'm not wasting a bunch of time in the kitchen instead of outside in the sun playing! Plus, we are gearing up for VBS at church this week, which means I need suppers that we can all eat at different times. Max before we leave, the big boys while we are gone and then me when we get home. 

This Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut is perfect because it can stay warm on the stove, or I could even make it in the slow cooker if I wanted to. It can be ready to serve in about 30 minutes so it fits right into the crazy that is my life right now.

If your summer isn't slowing down any time soon, only to be closely followed by the hectic start to a school year, this 30 minutes meal might just save a little bit of your sanity too!

Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut

3 (9 oz.) packages smoked sausage, cut into rounds

1 (32 oz.) bag sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

2 TBS brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 TBS butter, divided use

Black Pepper

Fresh Parsley

Whole Grain Mustard

In a Dutch oven melt 1 TBS butter over medium heat. Sauté sausage until brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In same Dutch oven, melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic, just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and sauerkraut and mix well. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes until some liquid has evaporated and flavors have melded. Season with black pepper. Add sausage back in and stir to combine. Cook 10 additional minutes. Transfer to serving bowl and serve with chopped fresh parsley. Serve mustard on side at the table.