Beer-Glazed Sausage and Apples

serving size: 4

1 12 ounce bottle Belgium-style wheat beer

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 pound smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, cut in 3-inch pieces

1/2 pound fresh green beans

2 tablespoons butter

2 medium cooking apples, cored and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel

8 small sage leaves

In a large saucepan combine 1/2 of the beer and the crushed red pepper; bring to boiling. Add sausage and green beans. Return to a simmer, cover and cook 5 to 8 minutes or until beans are tender. Drain. Set aside. 

Meanwhile, in a large skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter; add apples. Cook, turning occasionally, until apples are just tender. Transfer to a platter.

Add sausage to skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Add to platter; cover. Drain fat from skillet.

Carefully add remaining beer to skillet (mixture may foam); stir to scrape up browned bits. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and orange peel. Bring to boiling; reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered, 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return sausage and green beans to skillet to coat in glaze. Fold in apples. Return to serving platter. Sprinkle with sage.