Little Smokies in Cherry Preserves: A Sweet and Savory Delight
The memory is as clear as if it happened yesterday: my cousins and I, crammed around my Aunt Carol’s buffet table at our annual family Super Bowl party. The aroma of chili and barbeque permeated the air, but my nose always led me straight to the crockpot bubbling with Aunt Carol’s famous little smokies in cherry preserves. The sweet, tangy glaze clinging to each plump sausage, served with toothpicks for easy snacking, was the perfect counterpoint to the saltier, spicier dishes. Even now, the taste of those little smokies instantly transports me back to that joyful, chaotic gathering, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the comforting warmth of family.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dietary Type: Varies depending on sausage brand; check labels for gluten-free options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Little Smokies sausage
- 1 (12 ounce) jar cherry preserves, a small jar that’s approximately 10-12 oz. An 18-ounce jar may be used, using roughly 3/4 of the contents.
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving dish or fondue pot (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Little Smokies sausage and the cherry preserves.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. It’s crucial to watch it carefully during this stage to prevent scorching.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the cherry preserves have thickened slightly.
- Stir occasionally during the simmering process to prevent the Little Smokies from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. This also ensures that the cherry preserves are evenly distributed, coating each sausage.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency (a slightly thickened glaze), remove the saucepan from the heat.
- If serving immediately, transfer the Little Smokies in cherry preserves to a serving dish. For longer serving times, especially at parties or gatherings where guests will be grazing, consider using a fondue pot or an electric skillet set to low heat to keep the dish warm. This will prevent the sauce from cooling and solidifying.
- For a large crowd, simply double or triple the recipe, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure the sauce thickens properly. If tripling the recipe, using two 18-ounce jars of cherry preserves and three packages of Little Smokies usually works well.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Achieving the Perfect Glaze: The key to this recipe is achieving the right consistency for the cherry glaze. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the sausages but not so thick that it becomes sticky or gummy. Simmering for the recommended time is usually sufficient, but you can adjust the simmering time based on your preferences. If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Preventing Sticking: To avoid the Little Smokies and cherry preserves from sticking to the bottom of the pan, use a non-stick saucepan or coat the bottom of your regular saucepan with a light layer of cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
- Elevating the Flavor Profile: For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a dash of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the mixture while it simmers. The mustard will add a subtle tang, while the balsamic vinegar will provide a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the cherry preserves. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant hint of spice.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish is easily prepared ahead of time. Simply cook the Little Smokies and cherry preserves according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Charred Goodness: For a slightly smoky flavor, consider grilling the Little Smokies over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the cherry preserves. The grilling will give them a nice char and a deeper flavor that complements the sweetness of the preserves.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these Little Smokies in cherry preserves hot, either straight from the saucepan or transferred to a serving dish or fondue pot. Provide toothpicks for easy snacking. This dish makes a fantastic appetizer for parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the Little Smokies and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent splattering. Reheating in the microwave may affect the texture slightly, making the sauce a bit thinner.
While technically safe to leave at room temperature for a few hours, the quality and texture will degrade. For parties, using a warming tray or slow cooker is highly recommended.
Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional information can vary greatly depending on the specific brand and type of sausage and cherry preserves used.
The values presented are approximate.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal | 23% |
| Total Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 900mg | 38% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 35g | N/A |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cherry preserves while simmering. You can also use a jalapeño-infused cherry preserve for an extra kick.
- Different Preserves: While cherry preserves are the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruit preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or even fig preserves. Each type of preserve will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
- Honey-Garlic Glaze: Replace the cherry preserves with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired glaze.
- Bourbon BBQ: Add a splash of bourbon and your favorite barbecue sauce to the cherry preserves for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Sausage Variety: Feel free to substitute other types of smoked sausage for the Little Smokies. Kielbasa or Andouille sausage would also work well, offering a heartier flavor.
- Vegan Option: Seek out plant-based “little smokies”. Look for brands offering vegan sausages made from soy or pea protein. Ensure the cherry preserves are also vegan (some may contain honey, although this is rare.)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use frozen Little Smokies?
A: Yes, you can use frozen Little Smokies, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing them ensures that they will cook evenly and that the sauce will properly adhere to them.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
A: The key to preventing the sauce from burning is to simmer it over low heat and stir it frequently. Keeping the heat low will prevent the sugar in the cherry preserves from caramelizing too quickly, while stirring will ensure that the Little Smokies don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly in a slow cooker. Simply combine the Little Smokies and cherry preserves in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Q: What side dishes go well with Little Smokies in cherry preserves?
A: These Little Smokies are typically served as an appetizer, so they don’t necessarily need a side dish. However, if you’re serving them as part of a larger meal, they pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni and cheese.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
A: Yes, feel free to get creative and add other ingredients to the sauce to customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Little Smokies in Cherry Preserves recipe is a testament to the fact that simple dishes can often be the most memorable. With just two ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to delight your family and friends with this sweet and savory treat. And don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it – the possibilities are endless! We’d love to hear about your personal variations and serving suggestions in the comments below. Enjoy!