Crock Pot Brat Bake

This one is super simple.
We get different flavors of bratwurst sausages from our local butcher shop. Figure one or two sausages and one potato per person. The sausages need to be on the bottom of the crock pot so they cook through. They'll get nice and brown. I omit the garlic if the sausages are already garlicky. Depending on the seasonings in the sausage, you could use Italian seasoning, steak seasoning, chili powder, etc for additional seasonings.
I also use stewed tomatoes with either Italian seasoning, or onions and garlic. If you use stewed tomato halves, just cut them up into bite sized pieces.
The addition of the apple gives the dish a touch of unexpected sweetness. The apple cooks down significantly.

Crock Pot Brat Bake:
4 to 6 uncooked bratwurst style sausages
4 to 6 potatoes
2 carrots
1 onion
6 to 8 mushrooms(optional)
2 cloves garlic(optional)
1/2 apple
1 can chopped, stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken brothOR beef broth OR beer
salt
pepper
other seasonings(optional)
pan spray

Spray the crock pot with cooking spray. Lay the sausages in a single layer in the bottom of the crock pot. (They can overlap a little, but don't make more than one layer.) Peel the potatoes and cut into quarters if they're small, or good sized chunks if they're larger. Place the potatoes on top of sausages and sprinkle with salt. Chop the onion into slices and place on top of the potatoes. If adding mushrooms, wash and chop into halves. Place on top of the onions. Peel and chop the carrots. Peel the garlic and leave whole. Peel the apple and chop into bite sized pieces. Add carrots, garlic, and apple to the crock pot. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Pour the tomatoes and broth over the top. Set the crock pot on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the sausages are cooked through and the potatoes are soft. Check the seasonings, add salt if necessary and add pepper to taste.
Serves 3 to 6