As we conclude our Memorial Day grilling series, we will give a gourmet touch to the beloved classics - sausages and hot dogs. These grill favorites are sure to please a crowd, and with a few gourmet twists, you can elevate them from simple comfort food to a culinary delight. Let's explore two recipes: Beer-Braised Bratwurst with Onions and Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Pickle Relish.

Beer-Braised Bratwurst with Onions

Ingredients:

1. 6 bratwurst sausages
2. 2 large onions, thinly sliced
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 bottles of beer
5. 6 brat buns
6. Mustard, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pan over medium heat, add the onions, garlic, and beer. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add the bratwurst to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Remove the bratwurst from the pan and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
5. Serve the bratwurst on buns, topped with the beer-braised onions and a drizzle of mustard.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Pickle Relish

For the Hot Dogs:

1. 6 high-quality hot dogs
2. 6 hot dog buns

For the Pickle Relish:

1. 1 cup chopped pickles
2. 1/4 cup yellow mustard
3. 2 tablespoons chopped onion
4. 1 tablespoon white vinegar
5. 1 tablespoon sugar
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. To make the pickle relish, combine pickles, mustard, onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
3. Grill the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and lightly charred.
4. Serve the hot dogs on buns, topped with the homemade pickle relish.

Grilling Tips for Sausages and Hot Dogs:

1. Avoid High Heat: Grilling sausages and hot dogs over medium heat prevents the casings from bursting.
2. Don't Pierce the Casing: Resist the temptation to pierce the casing. This keeps the juices inside and prevents flare-ups.
3. Consider a Two-Step Cooking for Sausages: For raw sausages, consider simmering them in liquid before grilling to ensure they are fully cooked.

With these gourmet recipes for sausages and hot dogs, your Memorial Day cookout will have a perfect balance of traditional favorites with an elevated flair. Cheers to a delightful and delicious Memorial Day celebration!