The Thrill of the Grill
Now that grilling season has returned, it’s time for a little review of some of our favorite grilling links and ways to prepare them. While they all taste great, there are subtle differences in the way you may want to prepare them.
Usinger Cooked Brat – The white brat. Bavarian style made with finely chopped Pork and Veal. These are the type served all over Germany. When grilled they actually swell and get plumper as they are cooked. Grilling gives them a crispy outer skin and smooth flavorful center.
Usinger Fresh Brat – My method for grilling a fresh brat is “low and slow”. It’s the opposite of grilling a steak, which you sear right away to seal in the juices and then cook them at a lower temperature. With a fresh bratwurst it has to acclimate to the heat slowly. Too much heat too quickly can cause the brat to swell so much that it will break the casing, which is what you are really trying to avoid. If the casing breaks, all of the juices and spices wind up in your grill.
Usinger Natural Casing Beef Frankfurters – These are meaty, juicy and have more than a hint of fresh garlic. Grilling enhances the “pop” when you bite into the natural casing.
Usinger Smoked Andouille Sausage – This is a great sausage with lots of complex flavors. Spicy, smoky and tangy all at once.
Usinger Jalapeno Cheddar – A hardwood smoked, fully cooked bratwurst that is ready to heat and eat. Made from coarsely ground premium pork, Jalapeno peppers, cheddar cheese and our apple wood smoked bacon for extra smokiness. One of my favorites.
Additional tips – Personally, I’m not a fan of parboiling. It can change the texture of the casing and dilute the flavor of a perfectly spiced sausage. If you’re short on time, the pre-cooked are quick and don’t require the care of grilling fresh meat.
If you like Kraut, try our Festival style sauerkraut. It’s pre-cooked also and may be the only condiment you need.
Enjoy!
