Ream’s Elburn Market National Award Winning Bratwurst

When it comes to making a good bratwurst, Ream’s Elburn Market, located an hour west of Chicago in Elburn, has really set the standard(and they raised the bar by a mile in doing so).  They’re bratwursts are so perfectly delicious that they won a national bratwurst competition.  Randy Ream, the owner, is even in the Cured Meat Hall of Fame for

crying out loud(he also has won over two hundred other awards)!  I remember the first time I tried one of these bratwursts.  I took that first bite and all I could do was smile and try to stop myself from inhaling the rest of it in a single bite. So, on to more important things than hundreds of awards and me telling you how fantastic these bratwurst are … you want to know, “What does it taste like?”.  Well, I just so happen to have some of these worth-their-weight-in-gold-sausages-of-the-gods in my freezer, saved for a rainy day, and prepared them just moments ago.  When you find a food that is this good you had better have some on hand when talking about it or your stomach could eat yourself into non-existence just thinking about it.

The first thing that comes to mind when you take the first bite is simply, “wow”.  The all natural casings give this bratwurst a great “pop” when you bite into it.  The juices released are unbelievable.  This is by far the most juicy bratwurst I have ever eaten.  The taste is lightly peppery with a BIG sausage taste.  The blending of the meat and spices is phenomenal and is joined by a hint of salty sweet that makes this a juicy, peppery, meaty decadence.  Basically,  think of the best bratwurst you have ever eaten and up the flavor profile ten times.  Throw in a little mustard and kraut and you are in for a wonderful treat.

So if you’re ever in Elburn, IL be sure to stop in at Ream’s Elburn Market and find a little taste of heaven on earth. (They’re smoked cheddar cheese is unbeatable, and may be the next post)