I always clean out my freezer when family and friends are expected for Thanksgiving dinner. For some reason, I'm afraid that one of them will inexplicably decide to inspect said freezer, and scream in horror upon seeing my chaotic system of storage. So, just in case there's a surprise inspection next Thursday, I cleaned and organized
it today. There were some interesting finds in there. Hidden back in one corner, under a bag of frozen pesto cubes, I found two unlabeled containers of some sort of frozen liquid, possibly corn and mushroom stock. And there were several bags of cranberries that I bought to make jam, but never did. I found lots of nuts, pastry scraps and small bags of eggs whites. But, best of all, I found a small package of chicken-apple cocktail franks and half of a whole wheat baguette. I don't know how long the little franks have been hidden in there, but I decided to use them for my lunch. I cooked them briefly in a skillet (they were pre-cooked) and slapped them onto the baguette with some tomato relish. Suddenly, cleaning the freezer was a good thing.
The tomato relish was quick and easy to make, and the sweet-tart taste was a perfect for the smokey franks. The relish contained fresh oregano, which tastes very different from the dried variety. I like them both equally, but fresh oregano has a slight taste of pine that seems rather sophisticated. The wonderful fragrance it imparts to any food is quite pronounced, so, it should be used with care, or it will overwhelm a dish. I enjoyed this so much, I may serve this as an appetizer on Thanksgiving.
This jiffy recipe is submitted to Weekend Herb Blogging, which was founded by the remarkable Kalyn at Kalyn's Kitchen, but is being hosted this week by Vanessa at What Geeks Eat. Stop by her blog this weekend (or Monday) to check out the international round-up of herby recipes.
Tomato Relish (Fresh Oregano)
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
1 15 oz. can small diced tomatoes, drained
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1/2-1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (add more after sampling, if you wish)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 Tablespoons vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
tabasco to taste
Heat the oil and saute the onions and garlic until they're soft, then add the tomatoes, sugar and vinegar. Cook on medium low for about 20 minutes, until it has thickened. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Add salt and pepper to taste.
I think I always prefer fresh over dried spices. Oregano is one that will grow through the winter here.
The tomato relish looks wonderful on that slice of bread, certainly good enough for Thanksgivings!
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | November 16, 2007 at 07:04 PM
I'm impressed. What a wonderful looking lunch to have concocted from cleaning-out-the-freezer leftovers! I agree about the fresh oregano. Some is good, but too much is very bad.
Posted by: Kalyn | November 16, 2007 at 08:45 PM
What a wonderful post using a sausage...how elegant and the relish looks sultry.
Posted by: Peter | November 17, 2007 at 04:09 AM
Love the idea of using a fresh relish to perk up a simple sausage!
Posted by: Lydia | November 17, 2007 at 06:31 AM
Now that's the way to clean out the freezer! I love those sausages, they are a perfect quick meal, and so delicious!
Posted by: kate | November 17, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Apple franks sound interesting! I will have to look for some to try.
Posted by: Kevin | November 17, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Oh you crack me up with the freezer inspection! This looks really good. I love that photo!
Posted by: Kristen Doyle | November 17, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Ooooooooh absolutely delicious. Love your relish. Happy Thanksgiving Sher. Have great time with family
Posted by: sandeepa | November 17, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Any excuse to eat a cocktail frank I say...even if it means cleaning the freezer. I hope you pass inspection, if it should come to that!
Posted by: Callipygia | November 18, 2007 at 11:33 AM
mmmmm...yummy! And thanks for the reminder. I need to clean out the freezer too. And the hall closet...and the kitchen drawers..and the...
Posted by: Glenna | November 18, 2007 at 12:07 PM
That would inspire me to clean my freezer...
Tell Upsie that Emma is commiserating about the diet thing...she pretty much thinks it sucks, too!
Posted by: Katie | November 18, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Nice looking relish -- I bet it went really well with those little franks. And great pictures!
Posted by: Laurie Constantino | November 18, 2007 at 10:43 PM
I love it as an appetizer.
Posted by: peabody | November 20, 2007 at 01:11 AM