An American Passion for German Food the Bratwurst

Oktoberfest is just around the corner and it is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only does it mark the beginning of fall and football, but most of all a month long celebration of German food. Bratwurst has become one of Americas favorite grilling, tailgating and fall foods and it is no wonder, this stuff is good. A quick tour through the Internet and one can find a limitless number of ways to cook bratwurst. From stews, casseroles and soups too of course being served on a bun. You can even find recipes to make your own bratwurst which are quite good, but not so easy. I strongly recommend finding a local butcher who, if they are any good at all, will have fresh made bratwurst available.

Like all meats the cooking process is everything. Over cook it and you will have dry and tough brats that no amount of sauerkraut can rescue. I have tried many different methods for cooking them and for me the method that works best is a combination approach. First simmer (not boil) them in a strong beer on the stove top. This takes on average 30 minutes for 4 links and then I finish them on the grill for about 5 minutes each side. This method ensures a cooked bratwurst all the way through and gives the open flame taste you are looking for with a real beer flavor.

Next we are going to talk about German Potato Salad. A unique dish that goes very well with bratwurst I might add. So happy Oktoberfest to all.