Grilled Brats, Beer, Kraut, & Peppers

Heather Jurczyk from HeCooksSheCooks.com shares her recipes with Shindigz

Holiday cookouts to me are all about burgers, bratwurst, and other assorted sausage family members that can be grilled and shoved in a bun for easy consumption. Paired with some tasty side salads, fruit and corn on the cob and you have a quick and easy meal that people can chow down on while never missing a single game of corn-hole.

Now that we’re entering prime summer party season, it’s time to add a few more delicious recipes.

One of our favorite ways to grill brats is to first cook them in a pan of beer, peppers and sauerkraut and then quickly brown them over hot coals so they can get some wonderful color and smoke. Plus everyone loves the Grill Master.

Grilled Brats, Beer, Kraut, & Peppers
Serves 6-8

These will go fast so make a double recipe of Grilled Brats, Beer, Kraut, & Peppers!

INGREDIENTS

• 6-8 Bratwurst (we used a jalapeno bratwurst that our favorite local butcher makes)
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 1 green pepper thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic finely diced
• 1 bottle of good beer
• 1 28 ounce jar of sauerkraut
• 1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

In a disposable aluminum foil pan or a large cast iron pan add the onion, red bell pepper, and unsalted butter with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Place this over a hot grill and cook till the onions are translucent and the pepper soft. Add the garlic and saute for an additional 5-10 minutes.

In another bowl combine the beer, sauerkraut, bay leaf, paprika, caraway seeds, and mustard. Stir to combine. After the onion mixture is softened add the beer and kraut mixture along with the bratwurst to the pan. Cover the grill and let this mixture simmer until the bratwurst are done (about 20 minutes).

After the bratwurst are cooked through, remove them from the pan and place over hot coals for a couple minutes so they get those beautiful grill marks and delicious smoky flavor.

Serve and enjoy!

Recipe by Heather Jurczyk, the sassy half of the duo that make up the cooking team of He Cooks She Cooks. They have a weakness for feel good, down to earth, amazingly tasty eats that almost always include the addition of beer.

From growing their own tomatoes to brewing their own beer, they like to cook from scratch as much as possible. They know what’s important. Love. Food. Beer. Visit He Cooks She Cooks for more recipes.

Grilled Chicken & Beef Kabobs

Heather Jurczyk from HeCooksSheCooks.com shares her recipes with Shindigz

Spring is in full bloom! (Finally…) And everywhere you go the smell of people grilling food fills the air. Makes me hungry 24/7.

We LOVE to grill. We have been known to pull the Weber out into the snow mid January because we simply MUST have that char-grilled steak. But spring/summer-time grilling is by far the best. Beautiful weather, standing outside with a cool drink in your hand and the sun on your face, that smell of charcoal in the air. It makes you happy to be alive!

We whipped these kabobs up the other night for a group of friends who stopped by unexpectedly. This happens often so the use of the word “unexpectedly” is probably being used incorrectly in this case but we really were not planning for 10.

Grilled Chicken & Beef Kabobs (serves 10)

Your neighbors will want to join the party when you’re grilling Chicken & Beef Kabobs

CHICKEN MARINADE:

• 2-3 chicken breast halves, cut into 2″ cubes
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced
• squeeze of half a lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1″ ginger grated
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Mix all ingredients except the chicken together.

Place cubes chicken on skewers leaving room between each piece and place in marinade. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

Grill over hot coals till chicken internal temperature is 165°

BEEF MARINADE:

• 2 pounds of sirloin, cut into 2″ cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple vinegar
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients except the beef together.

Place cubes of beef on skewers leaving room between each piece and place in marinade. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

Grill over hot coals till beef is done to your liking.

These Grilled Veggies are delicious on their own or with the Chicken & Beef Kabobs!

Note: We do not skewer the veggies with the meat. Why? Because they cook slower. Yep. I said it. Slower. And unless you like your veggies somewhat raw I suggest you skewer them separately, or toss them in a grill pan (greatest invention EVER) over the hot coals.

GRILLED VEGGIES:

• Every veggie you like (about 3 pounds worth)
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper

Roughly chop up your veggies and place in a large bowl. Pour on some olive oil, add some salt and pepper or even your favorite seasoning mix. Toss to coat. Grill till done to your liking.

Enjoy a nice cool drink while enjoying this delicious meal with good friends.

Recipe by Heather Jurczyk, the sassy half of the duo that make up the cooking team of He Cooks She Cooks. They have a weakness for feel good, down to earth, amazingly tasty eats that almost always include the addition of beer.

From growing their own tomatoes to brewing their own beer, they like to cook from scratch as much as possible. They know what’s important. Love. Food. Beer. Visit He Cooks She Cooks for more recipes.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

• 1/2 lb. (uncooked) fettucini
• 2 Cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 Cup italian dressing
• 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 2/3 Cups milk
• 4 oz. cubes Cream Cheese
• 1/4 Cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. basil leaves (optional)

 

COOK pasta as directed on package, adding broccoli to the boiling water the last 2 min.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 min. or until done, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, stirring constantly and cook 1 to 2 min. or until sauce is well blended and heated through.

DRAIN pasta mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; mix lightly.

Organic Fish Tacos

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons half and half
• 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 organic red cabbage, thinly sliced and shredded
• 2 tablespoons organic olive oil
• 1 pound tilapia, sea bass, halibut or other fresh firm white fish
• 1 tablespoon fresh organic fajita seasoning blend
• 8 soft corn tortillas, taco size
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1. Clean and wash fish if needed and pat dry. Place fish on a plate and rub fajita seasoning blend on both side, gently pressing into fish. Set aside.
2. In a small glass bowl mix together sour cream and enough half and half to thin the sour cream to a thick soup consistency. Set aside.
3. Heat a large, high quality non-stick skillet on medium high, add olive oil. Place fish in skillet and cook until just done on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes.  Lightly drizzle lime juice on cooked fish.
4. To make tacos, fill tortillas with a thin layer of shredded cabbage, fish, cilantro and drizzle sour cream mixture on top. Serve at at once.
5. Garnish with fresh spicy salsa, avocado slices and lime wedges.

Blue Cheese Burgers

• 3 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 12 French rolls or hamburger buns

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef or turkey, blue cheese, chives, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt and mustard.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill for high heat.
4. Gently form burger mixture into 12 patties.
5. Oil the grill grate.
6. Grill patties approximately 5 minutes per side or until well done.
7. Serve on rolls.

Catfish Tuscany

• 4 (4 ounce) catfish fillets
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 Roma tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin

1. Preheat broiler to 500 degrees. Coat a broiling pan with nonstick cooking spray. Brush both sides of fillets with lemon juice, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place fillets flat side up on prepared pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, butter, and mayonnaise.
3. Broil fish about 4 inches from heat for 6 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and turn fillets over. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each fillet. Top with tomato slices. Broil an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini

• 3 zucchini, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and cook the zucchini whole until they start to become tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the zucchini, and set aside to cool. Once cool, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and scoop out the center flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell around the entire zucchini. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the mushrooms and sweet red pepper until tender and the mushrooms release their juice, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and oregano, then stir in the reserved chopped zucchini flesh and Monterey Jack cheese. Heat the mixture until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot. Stuff the filling into the hollowed-out zucchini; sprinkle each with about 3/4 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
3. Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
4. Broil the zucchini until the filling is bubbling and the cheese is browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Stuffed Green Peppers

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 3 large green bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• garlic powder to taste
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, finely shredded

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Place green bell peppers in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove peppers from the water and set aside in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey; drain. Return to heat and mix in onion, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Spoon the meat mixture onto each half of the green peppers. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until mixture begins to turn golden brown.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Spinach Manicotti

• 1 Large Onion
• 2 Large Cloves of Minced Garlic
• 2 – 28 oz jars of Pasta Sauce
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 16 oz. Ricotta Cheese
• 8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 Cup Shredded Parmasan Cheese
• 10 oz Bag or Box of Chopped Spinach
• 8 oz. Uncooked Manicotti
• 8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Thaw spinach and squeeze between paper towels to get all water out. Set aside. In a large skillet saute the onions and garlic. Add the pasta sauce and sugar. Stir to blend. Bring sauce mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer while preparing filling. In a large bowl combine the ricotta cheese, first amount of mozzarella cheese, slightly beaten eggs, parmesan cheese and the drained spinach. Mix spinach manicotti filling well. Pour 1 cup of the tomato sauce into the bottom of an un greased casserole dish. Stuff the uncooked manicotti with the cheese spinach filling. Layer stuffed manicotti into pan and cover with remaining sauce. Cover with foil.
Bake stuffed spinach manicotti for 45 minutes. Remove foil. Top manicotti with remaining cheese and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Easy spinach manicotti can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator over night. Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before baking.

Serves: 6 – 8

Creamy Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
• 4 oz.  (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) softened cream cheese
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp.  chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 1/3 cup  Barbecue Sauce (any flavor)
• 3 Tbsp. apricot or peach preserves
• 1/4 tsp.  hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 4 slices of cooked chopped bacon 

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

POUND chicken to 1/4-inch thickness; place, top-sides down, on work surface. Mix cream cheese, onions, parsley and garlic; spread down centers of chicken breasts. Roll up, starting at one short end of each. Place, seam-sides down, in single layer in shallow pan.

MIX barbecue sauce, preserves and (optional) hot pepper sauce ; brush 1/4 cup evenly onto chicken.

BAKE 35 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF), brushing with remaining barbecue sauce mixture the last 5 min. Top with bacon.