Appetizer Brats with M&M Sauce

We've had a series of parties for a crowd (more than 100 guests at one event) over the past several months. There have been enough different events with enough overlap in guests that I have been hard pressed to come up with unique food selections that fit into our tight budget. Furthermore, because the events dovetailed with other activities, the food had to be made ahead and stored in the freezer. One dish that we have made a couple times now is the appetizer brats.

Step 1.
One large box Johnsonville brats.
One medium onion sliced
One Large bottle (28 oz) Golden City Brewery Oatmeal Stout

Put the brats, onion and stout in a large kettle. Add enough water to cover. Bring to a slow boil and simmer until the brats are cooked through.

Step 2.

Grill the brats to give them a nice color and smoky flavor. Slice the cooled brats cross-wise into 1/2 inch slices. Put into freezer bag and freeze until needed.

Step 3.

Thaw the brats. Heat about 1/2 bottle Oatmeal Stout in a crock pot with one small onion sliced. Add the thawed brats and cook until warmed through. Lower the temperature to keep warm and serve with toothpicks. Add a side dish of M&M sauce for dipping. (You should reserve the rest of the bottle of stout to add to the crock pot as needed. If you drink it, you will just have to open another one and then be left with the same problem.)

M&M Brat Dipping sauce.

One of the brewery brats* taught me the recipe for the dipping sauce.

Stir together equal parts Mustard and Mayonnaise. Keep chilled.

*Actually she is a great kid, but the temptation to pun was too great to resist.