Grilled Sausage, Artichoke and White Beans

baby artichokes (about 1 1/2 per person)

spicy italian sausages
olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cup chicken (or vegetable stock)
1 tsp italian seasoning
3 - 14.5oz cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup white wine
1 - 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tsp 21 seasoning or seasoning blend like Mrs. Dash

Trim artichoke by cutting about 1/2 inch of stem, remove all of the tough leaves and cut top off. Boil artichoke in water for about 20 minutes.

While artichokes are cooking, drizzle non-stick sauté pan with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions and season with italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Sauté until onions begin to brown. Add garlic and continue sauté for about 5 minutes. Add white wine and sauté until reduced to almost a completely gone. Add beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir occasionally.

Once artichokes are done, remove from water and slice in half. Place in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, 21 seasoning (or alternative) and coat with olive oil. Toss to completely coat.

Preheat grill. Place artichokes and sausages on grill and cook while turning occasionally.

Once sausages and artichokes are done. Place bean mixture in a shallow bowl, top with artichoke and sliced sausage. Serve and ENJOY!!!!

Wine pairing......Pinot Noir.

I'm Back.......

Hello to everyone!!! I'm back in action. I have had a busy past couple of weeks which have kept me from posting any great recipes.

Recently we took a trip to Santa Barbara. One day we spent cruising State Street and the Harbor. State Street had some amazing stores. Taylor and I both wished we had a money tree and could buy whatever we wanted. At the Harbor we actually tried to take Rusty (our very happy brown lab) to a restaurant. Of course on the patio is where we tried to sit. He actually did pretty well until another dog decided to plant himself right in front of him. Let's just say we were politely asked to remove Rusty from the restaurant. I do have to say that the view and the calamari were awesome for the little time we were there.

One of the other days we spent in Solvang. Cute town, but half of a day was enough for us. Taylor did pick up a delicious smelling bottle of perfume at the Mole's Hole. We enjoyed breakfast when we first arrived in Solvang. Of course, Taylor and I had the same thing. Omelet with bacon, cheese and avocado. And of course we asked for a side of salsa. In fact, for a Dutch breakfast joint, they had the best salsa. Brandon had their popular powdered sugar covered pancake balls.  In fact, walking through the restaurant there was not one table that did not have a plate of these on them.  On our way out we stopped for tasting at Lincourt. http://www.lincourtwines.com/  We are members there and do enjoy their wine. Very friendly and casual.

The big event of our trip was the Santa Barbara Wine Festival.  http://www.santabarbara.com/events/wine_festivals/sb_wine_festival/ I highly recommend this for next year. The venue was amazing. A beautiful garden setting at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Tons of wines and wonderful food. It was so great!!

In addition, we recently celebrated the 4th of July. We had Brandon's Father, two Sisters (Kristi and Jessica) and Kristi's boyfriend Jason for a visit. Our 4th of July menu consisted of BBQ baby back ribs, roasted potatoes and BBQ corn on the cob. There was golf playing, card playing, pool playing and plenty of great food.

So, as you can see, I have been quite busy. I am hoping to be back in the swing of things.

Upcoming adventures for us, is a trip to Ojai. I can't wait.

Eat, Drink and be Merry!!!