This dinner HIT. THE. SPOT. And what a great way to end a near-perfect day. I got SO much done – the house is spotless, I finished my Stats in 30 minutes when I thought it would take 3 hours, I knocked some things off my to-do list, and the Niger paper is out of my mind! The weather was great, and I got to spend some quality time with the husband. AND we walked to a wine tasting!
I have been craving hot dogs on the grill for some reason, so I decided we’d do a KERF version: chicken sausage on homemade buns! Of course the husband made the buns (potato style) and I found these Apple-Gouda Chicken Sausages at Fresh Market. They are by AmyLu (click here for more info) and were THE BEST chicken sausages I have ever had! We’ve tried a few of the other brands and this guy literally had gouda pouring out of him. And at only 110 kcal per link and all natural ingredients, you just can’t beat it. I can’t wait to try some more flavors!
We also grilled butternut squash fries, which turned out great. I cut them thick and cooked them in the microwave for 5 minutes before we threw them on the grill so they would cook evenly throughout (they could have used about 7 minutes though as some took a little longer to cook than others).
Before microwaving (we had to cut the bulb end in half moon shapes!)
I think I prefer these to sweet potato fries!
Lastly, fresh grilled asparagus. That’s all there is to it!
I put a few dill pickles on the table too to complete the summer cookout feel 8)
From above with a nice little bowl of ketchup –
This dinner was about 475 kcal, 13 grams of fiber and 21 grams protein.
Afternoon
The husband made golden beer bread but he didn’t like how it turned out (forgot to score the top and the bottom detached because he didn’t non-stick spray it) so he’s not posting it. I thought it was DELICIOUS!! He’s going to make it again, so look for the recipe soon. It was like a giant biscuit!
I had a slice with some Smart Balance around 5:00 for a snack. Perfectly doughy!
Before dinner we took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked to the grocery store and back (about 30 minutes) to pick up our Easter ham before they sold out. Luckily they were on sale and we got quite a bargain! We did not get an organic ham, but since we usually eat organic/all-natural meat I’m not worried about every once in a while.
While at the grocery store, we just happened to stumble upon a great wine tasting! I had probably 3 oz of wine – tasting is so much more fun than having a glass!
See you guys tomorrow for the real Saturday! I’m planning to go to spinning in the morning and then do some gardening. And maybe my Stats final project… uggg. We’ll see!
Lisa says
Kath, did you put anything on the butternut squash before or after grilling?
Also, what brand pickles do you buy? I find most to be too something (not sure what, but just not good)
the husband says
And because I know someone will ask, the hot dog bun was exactly the same recipe as the potato rolls, but rolled into a long flat guy.
Yum!
Kath says
Lisa,
Just put a little kosher salt on the squash fries and dunked them in ketchup. The pickles are the main brand that is bright green – Mt. Olive I believe. They are just dill flavor. If you don’t like those, try Claussen pickles. They are more like the kind you find in restaurants (more cucumbery than pickley).
Kath
Romina says
I had no idea chicken sausages existed. Learn something new everyday. =)
Those fries look SO good! And isn’t it great that asparagus is in season? I could eat it everyday.
Lisa says
Mt olive is more cucumbery? or claussens. I like more cucumber flavor than pickle flavor. I am picky about my pickles (wasn’t meant to sound corny, but that sentence does!).
Kath says
Claussens are more cucumbery. They are normally refrigerated with the pimento cheese and stuff at my grocery store (not on the shelf with all the other pickles).
chandra says
Off subject here, but I had to let you know I made the kale chips tonight and I LOVED them!! And, I’m making my second batch of potato buns this weekend! Yay! 🙂
Jane says
OMG KATH!
i love love LOVE todoist.
i was using google calendar when you mentioned it a while ago but was having formatting issues with my browser, etc. -_-
I’m a college junior and this tool is amazing!!
Alicia says
The ‘dogs’ look delicious, Kath! I generally don’t eat sausages as I cannot seem to find the ones without the nitrites but I do crave a hotdog every now and then.
Glad to hear that you had a great day. It’s so nice to hear positivity and that’s one reason why I love reading your blog. Have a great spinning session. 🙂
Ally says
I’m loving the hot dog bun!
I’m actually going to make a batch of potato buns for my family this week using your husbands recipe!
Enjoy your spin class 🙂
Cara says
Wow looks like a great dinner. Mmmm. I also love when you run into a great wine tasting randomly. I have done it at least once now. heh.
Kath says
chandra ,
I saw them on your blog – glad you liked ’em!!
Jane ,
I’m in love with Google calendar too – and iGoogle page to keep my organized. Sorry the calendar didn’t work for you. What browser were you using??
Alicia,
Thanks for the nice comment. These dogs were unbeatable and the other flavors all look great. No nitrates involved!
Ally,
Good luck with the potato buns!!
Kath
Susa says
I have a question for The Husband re. bread- I’ve seen you use bread flour in some recipes mixed with ww flour-you couldn’t use just the ww flour and add some wheat gluten to help it rise?
Thanks!
the husband says
Susa,
That’s definitely a possibility, and there are pretty much two reasons I don’t do that:
1) I just like the taste of a blended grain bread – I think whole wheat is overpowering for my sandwiches, and it’s not the kind of thing I usually want as a piece of toast before working out.
2) Also, I’m kinda a purist when it comes to baking and I’d feel a little like I was cheating if I used the wheat gluten! Not really, but I’m a big fan of letting nature take its course, and if 100% whole wheat breads aren’t meant to be super risen, then that’s the way it’s gotta be.
(maybe I’ll cave in at some point.)
Katie says
I LOVE days when you get a lot done. How great! Dinner looks fabulous! Happy Friday!
Katie F says
What a great idea! Now I’m craving cookout food… 🙂
Sarah says
I made the butternut squash fries for dinner tonight—oh my goodness SO GOOD!!! I think I like them more than sweet potato fries too! I just wish they weren’t such a pain to peel and slice. I baked them in the oven instead of grilling them and they were delicious. Thanks for the great idea : )
Kath says
Sarah,
I agree – peeling is the worst part!!
K