Longer days, warmer weather- potatoes, bratwurst, and Ozuke Recipe

As the sun begins to shine longer each day, and our clocks spring forward, the energy changes at my house. My boys want to spend every minute outside in shorts, even when it’s blustery. Well, this past weekend, we tried to let them fulfill  that desire.  And although they were not in shorts the whole time, their celebratory attitudes were not hampered one bit. We all had a great time soaking up the sun and enjoying the warmer weather. Seems like with spring just around the corner, parties are happening everywhere.

Ozuké pickled things is participating in the Party Against Poverty at the Belmar Whole Foods Market, Saturday, March 30th. The festivities are from 12-4pm and include, beer, brats, kraut, and music! Whole Foods is partnering with The Friendship Bridge to support the Whole Planet Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty through microcredit in communities throughout the United States and around the world. Local brewery, Avery Brewing Company will be pouring beers. Come and eat delicious foods to support a great cause.

In anticipation of this festive event, I fired up my grill (well, Joe did, but I used it), and prepared a savory sausage dish. There is something so perfect about grilled meats with GREAT kraut. This simple recipe epitomizes that hearty combination. The best part is that is takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Fingerling potatoes, bratwurst, & Just Juniper
Ingredients:

• 4 pounds small fingerling type potatoes (RED WAGON ORGANIC FARM) or tender red potatoes
• Sea Salt to taste
• 3/4 pound beer brats, cut into 1/2″ angular slices
  
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, small cubes
  
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• ozuké pickled things Just Juniper (use as much as you like–for me that’s lots)
  

Directions:
Fire up grill.
Place potatoes in a large pot. Add water to cover by at least 1″; salt water generously. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; immediately reduce to a low simmer until potatoes are tender, about 18 minutes. Drain potatoes, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, boil beer brats for approx. 8 minutes, and then transfer to hot grill until lightly charred on both sides, about 2 minutes (each side). Let sausage cool (or not if you are in a hurry).
Cut sausage into 1/2″ diagonal slices. Combine potatoes, butter, mustard, and 3 Tbsp. potato cooking liquid in a large bowl. Toss, adding cooking liquid by teaspoonfuls as needed, until butter lightly coats potatoes with a glossy sauce. Season potatoes to taste with salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, lightly crush the potatoes (you want them to just break open but not fall apart). Add sausage, 3 Tbsp. dill, and chives. Serve with a few tablespoons of ozuké the best pickled things Just Juniper for a crisp topping.

To go with the potatoes, brats & kraut, I prepared a broccoli salad. This salad can be made ahead of time, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Broccoli, Red cabbage, & Carrot Salad
Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh Broccoli, chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 large Carrot, peeled, peeled & shredded
• 1 cup ozuké Ruby Calendula Kraut or Red Cabbage, sliced thin
• zest of lemon, 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp. salt, plus more, if needed
• 1 tsp dried dill or 2 Tbsp fresh dill
• 1 to 2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:
Toss all ingredients together and serve. Can make ahead and store in refrigerator.

What types of grilled foods do you enjoy with ozuké pickled things? Share your combination ideas with us or send us your recipes. We’d love to try them.