My husband and I butcher our wild game ourselves each year. Part of our burger meat always gets crafted into delicious bulk Italian sausage. I use it for many things but today I decided to try something different. Elk Italian Sausage Sandwiches are a creative and delicious dinner that received the coveted Hubby’s thumbs up of approval. Folks there is no greater stamp of approval than that.

Ingredients:

1/2 C. Butter

1 Large Garlic Clove Minced

1 t. Basil

1lb. Elk Italian Sausage

2 T. Olive Oil

1 15oz. Can Tomato Sauce

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1/2 t. each- Granulated Garlic, Basil, Crushed Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano

3 T. Grape Juice

8 Hotdog Buns

8 Slices Monterey Jack Cheese

2 C. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 C. Minced Fresh Onion

Directions:

Mix the butter, minced garlic and basil well and slather over the middle and tops of the hotdog buns. Broil them until they begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Brown the sausage in the olive oil in a skillet and then add the tomato sauce, herbs, spices and juice. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes until thick.

Place a cheese slice on the buns, next add a layer of the sausage mixture and top with the mozzarella and onion.

Broil again until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!