Beer Brats

Brats steaming in beer with peppers and onions.

   One of the favorites at our house during grilling season is bratwurst. I think in the summer we cook a pack almost once a week. That way during the week there's something to heat up or take to lunch on work days. This doesn't heat up the house and they brown quickly on the grill. It's a real no fuss meal.

Beer Brats
1 pkg. bratwurst (your favorite flavor - beer, Italian sausage or even chorizo)
1/4-/12 bottle of beer (German is my favorite)
1/2 med. onion, sliced thin
1/2 med. green and/or red bell peppers, sliced thin

Preparation -
Place brats in a skillet with a lid and pour in beer. After 15 min. or so of cooking, add onions and peppers. Simmer on medium low for 45-60 minutes, turning once half way through.

When done, (brats will look grey and plump) put brats over medium hot flames on grill, rotating all sides until browned, about 8 minutes. They are already cooked, you're just basically adding grill marks.They brown on the outside but remain juicy in the middle.

Top with peppers and onions if desired. Great with some spicy mustard.
Serves 5-6 depending on how many brats per pack.

(Note - chorizo tends to be a little dryer and firmer, so they don't take quite as long on the grill, about 6 minutes turning often.)

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