Chicken Bratwurst and Onions with Broccoli Slaw Salad

Take the stress out of your next tailgate by preparing the sausages in your slow cooker rather than on the grill.

Ingredients

3 large onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced 1/2 inch thick
½ cup apple cider or apple juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cooked smoked chicken or turkey bratwurst
¼ cup buttermil
2 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed
Dash cayenne pepper
2 cup packaged shredded broccoli (broccoli slaw mix)
8 reduced-calorie whole grain frankfurter buns, split and toasted

METHOD

1. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine onions, apple cider, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Arrange bratwurst on top of onion mixture. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
2. Meanwhile, for broccoli slaw, in a medium bowl combine buttermilk, parsley, mayonnaise, caraway seeds, and cayenne pepper. Stir in broccoli slaw mix. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
3. Remove bratwurst from cooker. Using a slotted spoon, remove onions, draining well. Discard cooking liquid. To serve, fill buns with onions and bratwurst. Top with broccoli slaw.