Comfort Food

I am an emotional eater, that's for sure. Stress, disappointment, or sadness...any emotion that leaves me with an emptiness inside, drive me to the kitchen. Even though I know that eating will not solve whatever problem I am struggling with, I want the food to fill the emptiness. I've worked through this a little, but I still find that being in the kitchen, staying busy, and a good piece of chocolate are a little bit of therapy for me.
This morning we learned that the dad of Clay's best friend passed away. We are all very sad. We will miss this wonderful, kind, and caring man. He was an involved parent, a great baseball coach, and a good friend to many people.
Here is a family favorite that I kind of made up. It's the kind of dish that warms you up inside when the insides need warming. And we all need a little warming here today.

Roasted Vegetables with Sausage and Chicken

1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 summer sausage, cubed
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 onion
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
4 medium potatoes {pick your variety, but we like red}
Salt and pepper to taste

In a roaster pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add sausage and chicken and brown. Remove from heat and add other vegetables. Stir together well to coat vegetables lightly with oil. Season according to taste. Cover.
Here is the unknown. The cook time.
Ask yourself "How much time do I have?"
You need at least an hour to get the vegetables tender at about 400.
If you have more time, turn the heat down and let it roast slow. I cooked this with a pork roast, instead of sausage and chicken the other day, for 3 + hours at 250. The roast was a little dry, but the vegetables were perfect. When I do this, I add a can of Sprite. It always turns out. However you cook it, just cook until the vegetables are to your liking.