Currant Jelly Wiener Sauce

Sweet and Tangy Currant Jelly Wiener Sauce: Elevating Your Cocktail Sausages to Gourmet Heights

Currant Jelly Wiener Sauce takes the humble cocktail sausage to new heights with its sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible flavor profile. This delectable sauce combines the richness of red currant jelly with the zing of Dijon-style mustard, the depth of ketchup, and the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether served as an appetizer at a party or enjoyed as a savory snack, this sauce is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Join us as we delve into the recipe and uncover the secrets to making this crowd-pleasing delicacy.

Ingredients:

  • Meat:
    • 4 (16 ounce) packages Little smokie sausages
  • Condiments:
    • 1 cup Dijon-style mustard, prepared
    • 1/4 cup Ketchup
    • 1 cup Red currant jelly
  • Baking & Spices:
    • 3/4 cup Brown sugar

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cocktail Sausages: Place the little smokie sausages in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cook the sausages, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low and keep the sausages warm while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Make the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the Dijon-style mustard, ketchup, red currant jelly, and brown sugar. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the red currant jelly has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Combine Sauce and Sausages: Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked cocktail sausages in the skillet. Stir the sausages gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  5. Continue Cooking: Allow the sausages and sauce to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the sausages and sauce to a serving dish or platter, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot with toothpicks for easy serving, and watch as your guests devour this delectable appetizer.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Citrus Twist: Enhance the flavor profile of the sauce by adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
  • Herbaceous Delight: Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant and flavorful twist.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

  • Keto Version: Replace the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use sugar-free ketchup or make your own keto-friendly ketchup using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. Ensure the red currant jelly is sugar-free or use a low-carb fruit preserve as a substitute.
  • Low Carb Version: To further reduce the carb content, serve the sauce with grilled or roasted low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower instead of cocktail sausages. Choose a low-carb sweetener and sugar-free condiments to keep the carb count down.

Currant Jelly Wiener Sauce elevates the humble cocktail sausage to gourmet status with its tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether served at a casual gathering or a formal affair, this delectable sauce is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. So fire up the stove, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible delicacy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use other types of sausages in this recipe? A: Absolutely! While little smokie sausages work wonderfully in this dish, you can also use cocktail wieners, mini bratwursts, or any other type of small sausage you prefer.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time and reheat it later? A: Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover sausages and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Q: Is there a substitute for red currant jelly if I can’t find it? A: If you’re unable to find red currant jelly, you can use any other type of fruit jelly or preserve as a substitute. Raspberry, cranberry, or apricot preserves would all work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit my taste preferences? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or red currant jelly in the sauce to suit your desired level of sweetness. Start with less sugar and jelly, then taste and add more as needed.

Elevate Your Appetizer Game! Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and answers to your questions, it’s time to elevate your appetizer game with Currant Jelly Wiener Sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a savory snack, this delectable dish is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible appetizer.