What’s for dinner? Brats and Spuds

The slow cooker is to fall what the grill is to summer: A great way to get dinner on the table quickly.

As family schedules start to get more hectic, the slow cooker can be a life-saver when it comes to making dinner without actually being at home.

As luck would have it, Phyllis Good, the fairy godmother of slow cooker cooks, has released a new cookbook, the “Fix-It and Forget-It New Cookbook,” ($19.95, softcover, Good Books), with more than 250 slow cooker recipes.

Here’s an easy one to try for bratwurst and potatoes that would probably get gobbled up at a tailgate, too.

Brats and Spuds

Makes 6 servings.

“Fix-It and Forget-It New Cookbook,” Phyllis Good

1 to 2 tbsp. oil

5 to 6 bratwurst links, cut into 1-inch pieces

5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed

27-oz. can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained

1 medium tart apple, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1/3 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

Brown bratwurst in oil on all sides in a skillet.

Combine remaining ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in bratwurst and pan drippings.

Cover. Cook on low 5 to 6 hours, or until potatoes and apples are tender.