YUM! This is crazy good – can't wait to whip it up another time!

In the hush of a Midwest afternoon, when the orchards are brimming with apples and the air is perfumed with harvest, there comes a dish that sings of comfort and community: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Apple Kielbasa Bites. This humble yet spirited recipe is much like the patchwork fields and rolling hills that define our region—a blend of the fruits of our earth and the hearty fare that sustains us through chilly seasons. Rooted in our love for sharing, these kielbasa bites draw friends and family to the table where stories unfold and memories are woven tighter together. Whether it's game day, a potluck, or a simple gathering, you'll find a reason to celebrate with this savory-sweet morsel.

Ladle these bites onto plates alongside a heap of creamy mashed potatoes or a warm potato salad to soak up all that delicious sauce. Serve with a side of buttered cornbread or some good old-fashioned sauerkraut for a twist of tang. And don't forget a crisp coleslaw or a tossed green salad to cut through the richness—just the thing to round out your meal.

Servings: 10-12

- 2 pounds kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 medium apples, preferably a tart variety, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

1. Place the sliced kielbasa into the slow cooker.

2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined.

3. Lay the apple chunks and sliced onion on top of the kielbasa in the slow cooker.

4. Pour the bourbon mixture over the kielbasa, apples, and onions, ensuring everything is coated nicely.

5. Set your slow cooker to low and let it simmer away for 4 to 6 hours, enveloping your home in a delicious aroma.

6. Once cooked, give it a gentle stir and transfer the bites to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a touch of color.

- If bourbon isn't your preferred spirit or you want to keep it non-alcoholic, substitute it with apple juice or cider for a family-friendly version.
- Try different types of apples to play with the sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my personal favorites for this recipe.
- Add in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash hot sauce if you fancy a little heat to balance that sweet.
- For those busy days, you can prep the kielbasa, apples, and onions the night before. Just keep them in the fridge, and they'll be ready to go into your slow cooker in the morning.

Every hearty bite encapsulates the spirit of the Midwest—generous, robust, and absolutely irresistible. These brown sugar bourbon apple kielbasa bites are not just food, darlings; they're tradition in the making.