My family has never been one to watch sports. We may spot a game on Thanksgiving or when we're visiting the cousins, but that's really the extent of it. Despite this, every year my family makes it a point to get together to the watch the biggest game of the year—the Super Bowl. We might flip a coin to determine which team to root for (a mortal sin for you football fans) or get more excited about the commercial breaks than the actual game, but we make sure there is a proper football celebration.
But, honestly, I think the reason we all sit around and watch the game is for the food.
My mother always makes a huge pot of chili and stews it in the crock pot all afternoon. She also makes sure to cook up a batch of these BBQ sausages. Though they slow cook all afternoon, I tend to steal a mini sausage or two whenever I find myself in the kitchen much to the dismay of my mother ("Save them for dinner!"). The smell is absolutely phenomenal. I don't think I can be blamed for my actions.
When it comes time for dinner (and the game), there is bread and chips and m&m's up to our ears. We cheer when anyone makes a touchdown. We take our bathroom breaks while the players are on the field. But we enjoy ourselves and each other.
I think that's what really counts.
These BBQ Mini Sausages are great for snacking. The barbecue sauce is made with a combination of grape jelly and chili sauce and, while slightly unusual, is absolutely delicious. The grape jelly brings a sweet quality to the sauce and, depending on the chili sauce you use, you can spice it up as much as you please. The sauce has a deep depth of flavor, with hints of molasses and the acidity of lemon. Because these mini sausages can slowly simmer in the crock pot all day, you can steal the perfect bite-size snack at any time (and as many times as you please).
BBQ Mini Sausages
12 ounces grape jelly
12 ounces chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 package (16 ounces) mini sausages (I used Little Smokies)
In a medium saucepan, mix together the jelly, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Heat through until the jelly dissolves, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the mini sausages. Transfer to a crock pot, heat through and serve.
The sausages can slowly simmer for hours (make sure to keep the heat of the crock pot on low), so they can be ready whenever you are.
