Happy B-Day Mom!

My mother is awesome.  That's all you really need to know.  

 I wanted to take advantage of two things tonight.  First, I was going to be on my own for dinner, so I wouldn't have to worry about any veto from The Bride.  Second, the weather was supposed to be clear, enabling me to cook outside.  I perused my options after work and settled on the Bratwurst Wraps on page 167. 

In short, The Bride isn't the biggest fan of brats and the like, although she will eat them on occasion.  Tonight I would not have to be concerned with the risk of her turning her nose at them, so I went a little silly at Kroger and Sons down at Findlay Market, picking up a bratwurst, bierwurst, and knockwurst.  

The first step is the boil the sausages in a saucepan with beer, and I used a leftover holiday brew, figuring the spices would contribute that "little extra."

While that is going on, I sauteed the onions until they browned, then added in the sauerkraut, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes.  

Upon completion of the boiling time, the sausages were just beginning to split.  It was time to take them to grill!

They acquired the obligatory grill marks in just a few minutes.  I wasn't terribly worried about the wursts splitting as very soon I would be completing what they had started themselves.

I butterflied the links, and started the first wrap by placing in a healthy dose of the cooked sauerkraut.

The mustard was added on next.

This, in turn, was followed by the cheese.

Here I ran into a problem.  The tortillas were clearly too small, even though I purchased the recommended size.  I could fold in two of the sides, but the remaining two would not fold in and seal the wrap.

I removed one of the sausage halves, and the wrap was able to be closed.

Three total minutes of grilling was all that was needed (even less might have even sufficed).

Yummy!  For something so simple, this was delicious.  The grilled tortilla added a crunchy/crispy exterior; the cheese and sauerkraut contributed a soft/gooey interior.  The versatility of this meal is quite high, and can be adapted to a multitude of situations.  Even just experimenting with three different types of sausage led to drastically different results.  Altering mustards or other condiments, cheese type, and sauerkraut blends will all change this up.  As I sit and brainstorm, this would be terrific tailgating food.  Most of this can be prepared at home, in advance, all up to the final wrap grilling stage.  This will feed all your friends, and each with a personal touch, if need be.  Take orders the day before, prepare it all at home, bring them to your event, cook them up in mere minutes, and everyone is happy.  Personally, next time (and there WILL be a next time) I will drastically increase the amount of red pepper flakes.  :)  I will also buy the larger tortilla shells (burrito size, not taco size).