That's Rubbish!

My dinner tonight was inspired by garbage.  Lots and lots of garbage.  And no, this isn't an episode of Hoarders...not exactly...

As a stay-at-home mom, sometimes you do what is normally categorized as husband chores.  In this case, I cleaned out our garage today.  (insert enthusiastic cheering here)  My husband hates this chore, yet it doesn't bother me much.  So as an early birthday present to him, I took the job off his to-do list.

Six black bags of garbage later and lots of choking on dust and debris, the garage sparkled.

Unfortunately, Cinderella still had all her "regular" chores to do.  This included dinner.  I got to thinking about all the garbage I'd tossed and suddenly, I was inspired.

A little bit of chicken, some Cajun chicken sausages, some veg, some beer, some blackening seasoning and - BAM - you have Cajun Trash for dinner.

Use what you have for this.  That's the fun part.  Actually, drinking the remaining beer was the funnest part of all, but we'll keep that our little mommy secret :)


Cajun Trash Heap
Serves at least four

1 small bag of Dutch yellow baby potatoes (or use baby new potatoes), quartered
1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and roughly chopped
1 clove of garlic, pressed
4 links of Johnsonville Chicken Cajun Sausage
4 pieces chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into chunks
1 bottle beer, any kind
2 tsp. blackening seasoning (or Cajun, or whatever you'd like)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. honey
Salt for potatoes
Non-stick tin foil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425.  Line a large cookie sheet with non-stick foil.  In a measuring glass, pour 2/3 cup beer. Combine with the olive oil and seasoning.  Stir gently or it will foam up.

Place chopped potatoes, onion, apple, and garlic on cookie sheet.  Using your hands, combine veg and apple.  Pour half the beer mixture over.  Season mixture with salt.

Place sausage pieces in potato mixture.  Add chicken and remaining beer marinade in a small bowl.  Add honey, mix well.  Let sit for five minutes, then add chicken to the cookie sheet.  Discard remaining beer mixture.  Add more seasonings if desired.

Roast at 425 for 35-45 minutes, turning a few times to prevent burning. Potatoes should be fork tender and yes, sausages will split open and be crispy.  Just how we like 'em!

Enjoy your no-wash clean up, as you've used foil.  Or, you can hoard that foil in case you need it for later.

Just kidding :)