That smokey, salty flavor. That crispiness. That crunchy, yet chewy goodness. Yeah…I LOVE bacon. Can you tell?! And I really love things wrapped in that goodness. Like hotdogs in Mexico. They are the best! I can see some of your faces now. All shriveled up and saying, “gross!” Whatever! You just haven’t lived until you’ve had a dog wrapped in bacon. But if you wanna get all uppity (just kidding, brats are good too), then try this recipe. But beware, these bad boys are addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats:

1 Pkg beer brats (6 in mine) – $2.99
2 Beers, enough to cover brats in medium sauce pan – $2.00
1 large onion, sliced – $.25
Bacon Ends or half package of standard bacon – $1.25
1/4 cup brown sugar – $.25
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (New Mexico red Chili will work for more mild) – pantry
12 Toothpicks – pantry

COST: $6.74

Cut each brat in half. Place brats in medium sauce pan with beer and onions. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 15 mins. Remove brats from pan and let cool. Return liquid to simmer and add brown sugar and cayenne. Cook for 20-30 mins, uncovered. You basically want to reduce by 1/2 to 3/4. You will get a nice sweet and spicy sauce in the form of a thin syrup. Keep and eye on it. You don’t want it to burn.

When brats are cool to the touch, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Wrap each brat piece with a strip of bacon, secure with a toothpick and place on baking sheet. Continue wrapping till all brats are nicely tucked in their bacon blankets and toss in the oven. Bake until bacon is brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve with your sweet and spicy sauce or stone ground mustard. A nice cucumber salad pairs well with these crispy treats.

Cucumber Salad:

1 large or 2 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced – $.75
1 can black olives, drained and sliced – $.99
2 large roma tomatoes, diced – $.65
2 Tbsp Italian Dressing – $.25
1/2 tsp pepper – pantry
1/2 tsp garlic powder – pantry
1/2 Sea salt – pantry

COST: $2.64

Mix all ingredients and toss well. Cover and allow to sit for 6 hours or more in the fridge, if you can. The olives will really make this salad so flavorful. Perfect with crispy bacon wrapped brats and baked potato!

Baked Potato COST: $.15 a piece – $.60 for 4

GRAND TOTAL: $9.98