Americans Are in a Grilling Rut

Master Griller Mike Zeller Offers Quick and Easy Ways to Re-ignite the Flames
of Your Grill for Your Labor Day Weekend Cookout and Beyond

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The dog days of summer are
upon us, and most people admit that their BBQ menus are getting stale. In
fact, according to national survey on grilling fare, 84 percent of Americans
agree that hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken have become a backyard bore. This
year, Johnsonville reminds grillers to re-ignite traditional Labor Day
cookouts and backyard parties with more flavorful alternatives -- juicy brats
and savory sausages offering a delicious boost to the standard grilling menu.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080804/AQM509)
Results from a national survey, conducted by Russell Research* on behalf
of Johnsonville Sausage, found nine out of 10 Americans agree grilling is one
of the best ways to infuse flavor into food, but admit it can be challenging
to come up with unique grilling recipes. The study also revealed that 95
percent of Americans enjoy eating grilled foods other than hot dogs and
hamburgers. In fact, according to a recent taste-test conducted by
Johnsonville, more people who grill brats, hamburgers and hot dogs preferred
the taste of brats over the other meats.
As the industry leader in sausage, Johnsonville is fired up to help people
bring flavor back to the grill with no-fuss grilling tips and mouthwatering
menu ideas for Labor Day weekend. And they're proving that great taste
doesn't have to be difficult to achieve, as most Americans (76 percent) find
it easy to grill brats.
"Brats stand out from the other grilling meats -- beef, chicken and hot
dogs -- because of their flavorful spices and juicy texture," says
Johnsonville Sausage Executive Chef Mike Zeller. "So in a way, not only is
variety the spice of life, but brats are, too!"
For the 84 percent of Americans looking for new grilling options, Chef
Zeller suggests trying new and unique recipes incorporating your favorite
grilled items. One suggestion is the "Spicy Cracked Black Pepper Brats."
Spicy Cracked Black Pepper Brats
by The Kitchen at Johnsonville Sausage

Ingredients
-- 1 pkg. (19.76 oz.) Johnsonville(R) Fresh Original Bratwurst
-- 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-in. round slices
-- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
-- 1 medium green pepper
-- 1 medium sweet red pepper
-- 1 medium sweet yellow pepper
-- 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, optional
-- 1 Tbsp. fresh cracked pepper
-- 5 hoagie rolls, split

Directions
Grill brats according to package directions. Meanwhile, brush onion
slices with oil. Grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until
crisp-tender and golden. Cut onion slices in half; place in a large bowl.
Grill whole peppers until skins blister, about 3-4 minutes. With tongs,
rotate peppers a quarter turn. Grill and rotate until all sides are blistered
and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a bowl and cover or cool for 30
seconds, place in a large resealable plastic bag and seal; let stand for 10
minutes. Peel off and discard charred skin. Remove seeds. Slice peppers
into 1/4-in. strips; place in bowl with onions. Add cracked pepper; toss
gently. Place one brat in each roll. Top with pepper and onion mixture.
Serve hot. Yield: 5 sandwiches.
In addition to mouthwatering grilling recipes, Master Griller Zeller and
Johnsonville have put together a few simple tips to help even the most
inexperienced outdoor cooks take the "labor" out of Labor Day, while adding
flavor to their grilling menus: 1. Be prepared: organize your ingredients
and gear (tongs, pans, etc.)
before venturing out to the grill.
2. Cook brats and sausages using the "indirect grilling" method: put coals
to one side (or turn on half of the gas burners) and cook your brats on
the opposite side of the grill.
3. To keep all of the juicy flavor in, only use tongs to handle your
sausage. That means no forks, no scissors or anything else that could
puncture the casing of your sausage.
4. To see if your brats are done, squeeze them with your tongs. If
they're firm and the internal temperature is 180 degrees Fahrenheit,
they're ready! This easy tip can help the 50 percent of grillers who
find it challenging to determine when meats are completely cooked. To
avoid the challenge altogether, try Johnsonville's Heat & Serve Brats
or Smoked Brats -- they're pre-cooked and full of flavor!
5. Add hickory, mesquite or oak chips soaked in water directly to burning
coals for a rich, smoky flavor.

For more great grilling tips and recipes to spice up your Labor Day
cookout, visit http://www.johnsonville.com.
*The Russell Omnibus was conducted among 1,044 adults across the United
States.

About Johnsonville Sausage
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the number one national brand of
brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links.
Johnsonville Sausage products are available in 27 countries including France,
Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and the United States. Johnsonville employs
1,400 members. Each of them takes ownership of product quality to ensure the
excellence and "Big Taste" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph
F. & Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.
SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage

Amy Lind, +1-312-397-6015, Amy.lind@ogilvypr.com, for Johnsonville Sausage