Venetian Sausage Bites

As I reflect on 2013, I am grateful for all the people I have encountered, and  the experiences we've shared.  My husband retired from the Army and started a new instructor position.  We moved from Colorado to Tennessee, and our children continue to adapt and amaze us.  It has been a bittersweet, busy year full of ups and downs....can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for our family!  

Whether you are ready to ring in the New Year, watch your favorite college bowl game or mix it up with friends, Venetian Sausage Bites will satisfy all the carnivores at your table!  This sassy appetizer is made with simple ingredients, and takes no time at all to prepare.  Blessings to you and yours in 2014!

"Italian food is all about ingredients,

and it's not fussy and it's not fancy".

Wolfgang Puck 

Venetian Sausage Bites

Courtesy of Michael Chiarello

6 sweet Italian sausages

2 T olive oil

1 C balsamic vinegar

Fill a large skillet 1/2 way with water and bring to a simmer.  Add sausages and poach for 6-7 minutes until firm.

Drain the sausages and slice into bite-size pieces (5-6 per sausage).  In a large skillet, heat 2 T olive oil.  When hot, add the sausage and cook on both sides until brown.  Drain off the fat and add balsamic vinegar.  Simmer until vinegar is reduced and syrupy.   Don't worry if the vinegar smells at first...just turn on the fan above your oven.  The sausages will also get dark due to the vinegar, but once reduced, the balsamic syrup left is sweet and wonderful!