Harvest Sausage

I spent last Friday & Saturday back home at the farm with my parents. It was so peaceful! Here's their shed all decked out for autumn. (It had more pumpkins before I filled my car!) Darren & the kids opted to stay here for simplicity's sake, so I only had to entertain ME in the car, only had to feed ME, only had to wipe MY nose, only had to put ME to bed. It was a fabulous break & when I returned, I was happy to do all those little things for THEM again. :) I took Darren's car, which only has a cassette deck, & enjoyed the opportunity to listen to some old music... random TEC mix tapes, Amy Grant, Nelson... I hadn't listened to them for so long but pretty much belted out each one at the top of my lungs. I was hoarse by the time I got to the farm!
My parents & I chatted, laughed, looked at old photos, picked pumpkins, & relaxed together. We ate this dish for dinner (that is so simple it barely needs a recipe) & then I could taste autumn, too. And it's a great way to use up a couple more from those 35 pounds of apples you picked at the orchard. ;)

HARVEST SAUSAGE
4-6 bratwurst, any flavor
1 undrained can bavarian style saurkraut
2 peeled & thinly sliced apples
2 T brown sugar
Layer them all in a casserole dish, cover, & bake at 350* for at least an hour. SOOOO yummy!

I spent almost the entire Saturday at the Birthright State Convention & met so many wonderful people! There were lots of inspiring stories, helpful hints, & necessary clarifications. I left feeling rejuvenated & excited to be a friend to the women who come to us for help. It's such a challenging & rewarding place to volunteer!