These delicious snacks have become somewhat of a culinary legend, offering a unique blend of spices and tangy flavors that are hard to resist. Once a staple in convenience stores and taverns across the US, the Penrose brand has been discontinued, leaving fans craving its distinctive taste.Suppose you want to recreate this beloved snack at home; fret not!
Ensure you have a well-ventilated area or turn on your ventilator fan, as cooking can produce strong smells.Find a quart jar to store your pickled sausages, preferably a 1-quart mason jar with a tight-fitting lidand ring.
Cut the sausage links into halves or thirds, depending on their size. Ensure to leave enough room in the jar for the hot brine, which will cover the sausages.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the water, salt, vinegar, red food coloring (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, garlic and bay leaves.Bring this mixture to a boil while continuously stirring until the salt has dissolved.
Carefully place the cut sausage pieces into your clean and sterile quart jar.Make sure to leave enough space between the sausage pieces to allow the hot brine to cover them fully.
Once your mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.Then, carefully pour the hot brine over the sausage in the jar, filling it until the sausages are entirely submerged under the brine.
Secure the jar with a lid and ring, ensuring it's properly sealed.Store the jar in a cool, dark location and let it stand for at least 2 days before tasting to allow the flavors to mingle properly.During these 2 days, the sausages will absorb the spicy goodness from the hot brine, giving them a delicious, tangy taste.If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of spiciness.