Can't wait for Spring

The concept of a chef is simple. We buy groceries, prepare them, and then sell them. Sounds simple? …Not always.

Some recipes are better than others and sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Many factors go into a perfect dish. The most important part of any dish is the ingredients. I know that sounds like an obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people preparing a recipe that calls for fresh basil or rosemary only substitute some dried out old herbs they had laying around some kitchen cabinet for a couple years. Then wonder why the recipe just did not taste what they thought it should be like.

Sure, fresh is always best and I understand that sometimes you need to substitute dried herbs for fresh. So, fresh is best also goes with your dried herbs and spices. If you have some chili powder sitting in your kitchen and you have not made chili since the last time the Vikings have been in a Superbowl, chances are that chili does not have the same kick it had back then. General rule, change your dried herbs and spices every few months and never keep them for more than 10. Some people and chefs may argue, but the fact is, herbs and spices are not like wine; being that they do not get better with age.

Here is a recipe I played around with using recently bottled Crofut I tossed the sauce with pasta and people went crazy for it.

Crofut Ragu

1 pound spicy Italian Sausage (Byerly’s, Lund’s and Cub have good versions)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 8oz cans chopped tomatoes
2 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
2 tablespoons chopped onion
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup Crofut Frontenac

The How To:
In heavy sauce pan, heat up oil. Brown sausage and strain any grease. Add onions and garlic. Cook until garlic starts to brown. Add balsamic and cook for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and turn down heat to medium. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for at least two hours. The longer you simmer the more intense the flavor.

Side note: Molly and I were lucky enough to get to try some of the wines that Don and his crew have been bottling for the past couple weeks. One thing I can tell you after tasting is that this year is going to be a great one!! ..And another thing I can tell you … after a couple glasses of wine, Don is easy to beat at Wii tennis!