Crock Pot Nippy Franks With Bourbon Recipe

Bourbon adds spirit and flavor to these tasty little appetizer cocktail franks. The easy sauce contains only 4 basic ingredients plus bourbon, and it takes no more than 5 or 10 minutes to throw everything together in the crock pot. The dish takes 2 hours to cook, so plan to start it a couple of hours before the guests are expected to arrive. Use mini hot dogsor cocktail franks or wienersor make the recipe with mini smoked sausages or cut-up hot dogs. Or use sliced kielbasa or another kind of spicy smoked sausage. The sauce would even work with small meatballs. And feel free to add other ingredients. Chunks of pineapple, bell pepper, and onions are good choices. Use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce in the recipe. For extra smoky flavor, add a bit of liquid smoke to the sauce. Or add heat with about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne. These are great for the adult football-watching crowd, but if some of your guests are children or if you prefer to cook without alcohol, omit the bourbon or substitute some fruit juice, such as apple juice or pineapple juice. Or add a bit more bourbon or whiskey if you like. A good quality stout would be great in the sauce as well. These little cocktail franks make a tasty appetizer for a party or tailgating event, and they are served hot, right from the slow cooker. Offer guests plates, toothpicks, and plenty of napkins and let them serve themselves. The recipe makes about 12 servings3 to 4 pieces per personand it is easily scaled up for a big party or event.