Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce

Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce Recipe - A Flavorful Twist on Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped sausage coins with apricot dipping sauce is a delightful appetizer that combines the savory taste of bacon and sausage with the sweet and tangy flavor of apricot sauce. This dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat for family dinners. The combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The concept of wrapping meat in bacon has been around for centuries, originating from various cultures that appreciated the flavor and moisture bacon adds to dishes. The addition of apricot dipping sauce is a more modern twist, bringing a sweet contrast to the savory meat. This particular recipe, with its unique combination of ingredients, has evolved over time to become a favorite among those who appreciate a balance of sweet and savory flavors in their appetizers.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of apricot preserves
1 tbsp of water
2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
2 tsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of dijon mustard
0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)
1 lb (454 g) of Bryan Smoked sausage, any variety, cut into 0.33 inch rounds
1 lb (454 g) of Bryan Sweet Hickory smoked bacon, each slice cut into 3 pieces

How to prepare

In a blender or food processor, combine preserves, water, lime juice, soy sauce, mustard, and pepper flakes.
Puree the ingredients until they are well blended and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the sauce into a small bowl, cover it, and refrigerate.
(The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a large baking sheet with sides with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Wrap each sausage round with a slice of bacon and secure it with a wooden pick. Place the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the sausages for about 20 to 25 minutes per side, or until the bacon is brown and crisp.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon-wrapped sausage coins to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Spoon the sausage into a small bowl and place it in the center of a large serving platter.
Arrange the wrapped sausage coins around the sauce bowl.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the apricot sauce. Alternatively, use pineapple preserves instead of apricot for a different sweet and tangy flavor. For those who prefer a smokier taste, consider using smoked paprika in the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the bacon wraps stay in place, use toothpicks to secure them around the sausage coins. For an even cook on the bacon, consider flipping the sausage coins halfway through the baking process. To achieve a crispier bacon texture, broil the bacon-wrapped sausages for the last few minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bacon-wrapped sausage coins warm with the apricot dipping sauce on the side. For a complete appetizer platter, add a variety of fresh vegetables, cheese cubes, and crackers to accompany the meat.

Cooking Techniques

Wrapping the sausage coins tightly with bacon and securing them with toothpicks is crucial for even cooking. Baking at a moderate temperature allows the bacon to become crispy without burning, while broiling at the end can add extra crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If apricot preserves are not available, peach or mango preserves can be used as a substitute. For a lower fat option, turkey bacon can replace regular bacon, and chicken sausage can be used instead of pork sausage.

Make Ahead Tips

The apricot dipping sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The bacon-wrapped sausage coins can be prepared and assembled on the baking sheet a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausage coins in a circular pattern around the dipping sauce on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This appetizer pairs well with a variety of beverages, including light beers, sparkling wines, or a crisp white wine. The sweetness of the apricot sauce complements the savory flavors of the bacon and sausage beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover bacon-wrapped sausage coins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, approximately 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of bacon-wrapped sausage coins with apricot dipping sauce contains approximately 250-300 calories. The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the apricot preserves used in the dipping sauce. One serving of this dish contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the brand of preserves used and the portion size of the sauce.

Fats

This recipe is relatively high in fats due to the bacon and sausage. A single serving can contain between 15-20 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat. Opting for leaner cuts of bacon or sausage can help reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Bacon-wrapped sausage coins are a good source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 10-15 grams. The protein comes from both the bacon and the sausage, making this dish a satisfying appetizer or snack.

Vitamins and minerals

While this recipe is not particularly high in vitamins and minerals, the apricot preserves provide a small amount of vitamin C and iron. Including a side of fresh vegetables or a salad can help increase the nutritional value of the meal.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include soy (from the soy sauce) and mustard. Those with gluten sensitivities should ensure that the soy sauce and sausage used are gluten-free. Always check the labels of ingredients if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

This appetizer is rich in flavors and textures but also in fats and calories. It provides a moderate amount of protein and minimal vitamins and minerals. Enjoying this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

Summary

Bacon-wrapped sausage coins with apricot dipping sauce is a delicious and indulgent appetizer that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. While rich in taste and texture, it's best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. This dish is perfect for special occasions and can be easily adapted to suit different taste preferences.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a community picnic in the park. As I wandered around, I came across a group of ladies gathered around a grill, chatting and laughing as they cooked up a storm. Intrigued, I made my way over to see what delicious dishes they were preparing.

One of the women, Mrs. Jenkins, was busy wrapping bacon slices around small sausage coins and placing them on the grill. The sizzling sound and the aroma of the cooking meat made my mouth water. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe, and she kindly obliged.

She explained to me that the recipe was a family favorite that had been passed down through generations. The combination of salty bacon, savory sausage, and sweet apricot dipping sauce was a match made in heaven. I watched as Mrs. Jenkins carefully tended to the grill, turning the bacon-wrapped sausage coins until they were perfectly crispy and golden brown.

After they were done cooking, Mrs. Jenkins served up a plate of the delicious appetizers, along with a side of homemade apricot dipping sauce. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The flavors danced on my taste buds, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I asked Mrs. Jenkins if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she happily agreed. She wrote it down on a scrap of paper and handed it to me with a smile. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the dish for my family the next chance I got.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and preparing the Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce. As I cooked, the memories of that sunny day in the park came flooding back to me. I could almost hear the laughter of the ladies and smell the delicious aroma of the grilling meat.

As I plated the finished dish and drizzled the apricot dipping sauce over the bacon-wrapped sausage coins, I couldn't wait to share it with my family. When they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. They all agreed that it was one of the best appetizers they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or a special occasion to celebrate, I would whip up a batch of these delicious treats. Each time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time with a sense of pride and nostalgia. It reminds me of that fateful day in the park when I stumbled upon the recipe and the kind woman who shared it with me. I like to think that Mrs. Jenkins would be proud to know that her family recipe lives on in my kitchen, bringing joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Bacon-wrapped Sausage Coins with Apricot Dipping Sauce, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing this recipe with others brings me immense joy. I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition and pass this recipe down to future generations, just as I did. Until then, I will continue to cook up a storm in my kitchen, creating delicious dishes that bring people together and create lasting memories.