Combine bratwurst and beer for Oktoberfest-themed appetizer

Bratwurst and beer are synonymous of Oktoberfest. Here is a recipe that combines the two deliciously in an appetizer that you can serve guests at a casual weekend get-together. A slow cooker makes preparation easy.

Choose a light-tasting beer for cooking brats. Hearty ales might leave the meat tasting slightly bitter.

Brats in Beer

750 g (1 1/2 lb) bratwurst (5 or 6 links)

1 bottle (341 ml/12 oz) amber ale

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

30 ml (2 tbsp) packed brown sugar

30 ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar or cider vinegar

Spicy brown mustard

Cocktail rye bread

In a 4 1/2-to 5-litre slow cooker, combine bratwurst, ale, onion, brown sugar and vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

Remove bratwurst and onion slices from slow cooker. Cut bratwurst into 1-cm ( 1/2-inch) thick slices. For mini open-faced sandwiches, spread mustard on cocktail rye bread. Top with bratwurst slices and cooked onion.

Makes 30 to 36 appetizers

Source: Crock-Pot.