Beer Brat Bites

    (slightly adapted from Dinner at the Zoo)

Servings: about 12

It's almost time for Oktoberfest!  What better to serve for an appetizer than beer brat bites?  This is a tasty and easy recipe that is perfect for small crowd gatherings.  

INGREDIENTS

2 packages Johnsonville Bratwurst sausages

1 12-ounce bottle beer (I used a German beer)

½ cup brown sugar

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 Tablespoon chopped parsley (I used dried)

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 Tablespoon cold water

DIRECTIONS

·         Grill or saute the bratwurst sausages and cook until done.

·         While sausages are cooking, make the sauce: Combine the beer and brown sugar in a medium pot over medium high heat; bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until mixture is reduced and thickened. Whisk in the Dijon mustard until smooth.

·         In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1 Tablespoon cold water and pour into the beer mixture.  Bring the beer back to a boil and cook for 1 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. (If sauce is not thick enough, add 2 more teaspoons cornstarch whisked together with 1 tablespoon cold water).

·         Slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces and add them to the pot with the sauce; toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

*I’ve also used a small crock pot with success:  Slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Pour the beer sauce over and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Serve and enjoy!