A Lower-Fat Mixed Grill

MENU Turkey Sausage and Mixed Pepper Grill Black-bean relish Feta cheese Bruschetta Chilled orange slices splashed with Grand Marnier

Do you love the flavor of a rich well-seasoned sausage--but hate the fat? Consider sausages made of turkey or chicken.

Be careful with them, though, because low-fat sausages become dry if overcooked. When placing them in the skillet, add three to four tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for a bit, then remove the cover and let the water evaporate so that the sausages brown in their own juices. They should be cooked through and lightly browned in eight to 10 minutes.

Black bean relish and feta cheese make quick accompaniments. Combine a one-pound can of drained black beans with one-half cup chopped onion, two tablespoons chopped cilantro, two teaspoons vinegar, one-half cup drained whole kernel corn, one clove minced garlic, one diced Roma tomato and one tablespoon olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and let the salad chill while preparing the sausages.

Bruschetta or grilled bread provides a great flavor combination with the peppers, salad and feta. Brush sliced French bread with olive oil mixed with minced garlic. Grill until toasted on both sides.

Sliced fresh oranges drizzled with Grand Marnier make a very refreshing ending.

TURKEY SAUSAGE AND MIXED PEPPER GRILL Staples

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic

Salt, pepper

Shopping

1 small sweet red pepper

1 small green pepper

1 small yellow pepper

1 red onion

8 turkey or chicken sausages

1. Cut 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 yellow pepper and 1 red onion in julienne strips. Mince 2 cloves garlic.

2. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet peppers, red onion and garlic. Saute until almost tender. Remove from skillet. Keep warm.

3. Add 8 turkey sausages to skillet. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons water. Cover and simmer until sausages begin to brown. Remove cover and continue to cook until browned on all sides.

4. Add cooked peppers. Continue to cook until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings.