This is my first blog post written about something other than the sadness and grief I’ve been feeling over my mom’s death. It’s been more than a month, and every day still brings news challenges and triggers, but I’m trying hard to focus on some other areas of my life. I’m truly a writer at heart, and it’s been extraordinarily healing for me to write about my experience with grief so far. So thank you for being there for me as readers, friends, family, and supporters.
I’m sure there will be more posts about the enigma that is grief, as well as posts about strategies, resources, and advice that have helped me during the process. As my friend mentioned, losing a parent puts you in a mysterious club you never wanted a part of. But once you’re there, you can make the choice to waller in darkness or rise up and use the experience for good. I hope that through my words and advice, others will glean some guidance when they too have to experience their own journey of grieving.
Now, on to the day’s blog post about sausage. I know. That was a weird transition, but I have to start somewhere, right?
I communicated with Klement’s back in the spring about bringing you several posts this fall and holiday season. My first post was originally scheduled for August, but the PR folks have been patient with me, and told me to post when I felt ready. I very much appreciate brands that have compassion for people.
Klement’s is a family-founded business that began in 1956. Through three generations of artisan sausage makers, Klement’s has grown from a small sausage kitchen in Wisconsin to one of the largest producers of fine, Old World sausage products. The company’s story is truly quintessential about three brothers coming together offering a great product to the immigrant-rich neighborhoods of Milwaukee. And even before that, the true roots of the business are nestled in Europe where the sausage-making craft began long ago for the Klement family.
As a brand ambassador for the company, Klement’s sent me a slew of products in August. Ironically, the shipment came the same day my mom was admitted to the hospital. During my mom’s stay in the hospital and after her passing, I have used much of what Klement’s sent. Their products are perfect for quick and easy snacks and meals. And let me tell you, when grief has overwhelmed the mind and body to the point of an endless mental fog, the last thing a person wants to do is figure out what the family is eating for dinner each night.
Beef jerky was a favorite snack of mine when I was a little girl, and I still have a fondness toward it, although these days I’m quasi-vegetarian. With that being said, all the men in my life love beef jerky. When we were sitting in the hospital for days on end hoping and praying my mom would pull through, I brought Klement’s beef sticks for my dad to snack on. He was very grateful to have the protein to sustain his energy.
After everything happened, we had many friends bring us dinner, take us out to dinner, and so on, but then it was time for me to plan meals again, and I was still feeling extremely out of it. Thankfully, I had some Klement’s products for quick and easy dining. Their summer sausage products are perfect for after school snacks and fall parties.
We were invited to a Labor Day party, and I quickly made some summer sausage/cheddar cheese sandwiches to take as our dish. My seven-year old enjoyed making these with me. We merely chopped both the sausage and the cheese into cubes and then attached one of each with a toothpick.
Along with snacking on summer sausage products and beef snack sticks, we’ve used Klement’s bratwurst products several times for dinner. One night, we threw some brats on the grill, popped them on a bun, and paired them with chips and sliced cucumber. The boys love this quick and easy meal. Then just last night, I sauteed bratwurst in a pan and served with macaroni and green beans. This is a popular meal with everyone. It’s filling and comforting but also bull of protein and fiber.
It’s been a rough month, internally and externally. Everything seems more exhausting than it should. During times like this, I’m thankful for quick and easy meals that are healthy and satisfying. No matter what happens, it seems that mom still has to think about meals, so during this time, I’ve been very thankful for Klement’s products and the ease they have added to my life.
Be sure to stay connected with this Klement’s on Facebook and Twitter.
This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Klement’s. While I was compensated for my time, all opinions are 100% my own, as always.
What a great use of the sausage. So simple and comforting. It’s so nice to have food like this sitting around when times are hard. Thinking about you, friend!!