Mention My Name in Sheboygan

My folks were born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We would attend the annual Bratwurst Day every year where the city would close all the streets and the residents of this fine city would set up their 'fryers' everywhere; smoke filling the sky, the unmistakable aroma of fresh bratwurst wafting through the air.

So, when I was chatting with my friend Mary May at Farmer's Market last week and she mentioned how delicious the brats were from Jake's, I had to give them a try. As an aside, one of the best things to me about seeing neighbors and friends at the market is exchanging food ideas, talking about a new method of preparation, adding to our repertoire.

As a side, I decided on a sweet potato scramble or hash. Again, one-stop shopping - big red onion from Tidey Farms, lovely sweet potatoes from Skibbe Farm and Jake's for your full array of meats. Add store-bought buns and you are all set.

Grilling season is still upon us with this perfect fall weather. Here's my yummy and easy meal.

Bratwurst

I gave the jalapeno brats a try. They are great, just enough spice to make them interesting. Very simply, I boil the brats in beer and onions for about 15 minutes. Then grill.

Sweet Potato Scramble

2 sweet potatoes
2-1/2 T canola oil
3/4 c sliced red onion
Garlic
2 t thyme
1-1/2 t sage
1 t butter
Salt & pepper

Bake potatoes for 45 minutes at 400 degrees. They should be tender but still firm enough to slice. Cool for 20 minutes. Remove the peel from the potatoes. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise; cut crosswise into slices.

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 T of oil to the pan and add onion. Cook until onions are limp. Add garlic, stirring frequently. Remove onion mixture. Add remaining 1-1/2 tablespoons oil to the pan. Add sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they start to caramelize. Gently stir in onion mixture, thyme, sage and butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. (the potatoes were also good left over the next night, warmed in the microwave).

I teamed it with Lake Louise Porter - a Wisconsin beer.