Sometimes the old standby just needs a little kick. Try taking fun, football food to another level by introducing it to the grill. Even cold weather grilling is a great idea. By adding a marinade and some interesting companion foods, you can create delicious kebobs that can be served as is or removed to a toasted kaiser roll.


BRAT AND CHEDDAR SKEWERS

4 pounds bratwurst, cubed
2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese, cubed and frozen (24 hours)
2 ounces jar stuffed green olives
30 oz frozen steak French fries
3 cups onions, quartered and separated
1 cup chili sauce
2 teaspoons mustard
heavy duty aluminum foil
Skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes


First mix the chili sauce, mustard and beer in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade for basting later. Marinade the cubed bratwurst in the remaining mixture for at least one hour (best overnight).

Thread all ingredients alternately on skewers; wrap loosely in heavy- duty foil, if desired. Grill, without grill lid, over medium-high heat (350-400 degrees) 3-4 minutes on each side. During the last minute, baste the entire kabob with the marinade set aside earlier. (Adjust grill times based upon the condition of the cheese cubes.) Serve immediately.


Variations:

Use black olives instead of green olives or substitute with your favorite deli olive (pitted).

Use a variety of stuffed green olives - pimiento, garlic, jalapeno, etc.,

Toss the frozen steak fries in a Ziploc baggie filled with dry Italian salad dressing mix before adding to the skewers.

Marinade onion pieces in a separate bowl in the same marinade as the bratwurst.


Enjoy alternating vegetables such as colored bell peppers, chili peppers, potatoes, leek cubes, or green apple cubes. Combining the cubed bratwurst with ham, sausage, steak, or lamb cubes wrapped with prosciutto will give variety in flavor and texture that will really enthrall your family and guests. Add your own style and creativity to your marinade, spice it up or cool it down. These kabobs are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Enjoy!