Fun Night In: Shows Streaming on Amazon + Tasty Beer Glazed Brats

Shows Worth Checking Out on Amazon Prime

By Jaya Daniel

Amazon Prime is more than just free 2 day shipping. A membership also gives you access to a plethora of movies and TV shows, including a number of HBO shows not available on other streaming services. And like Netflix, Amazon is also dipping its toe in original programming, offering everything from comedies to dramas to mysteries.

A Pause for Dramatic Effect

Bosch and Hand of God are two very unique dramas available on Amazon. Bosch centers on an LAPD detective who is trying to solve the murder of a 13-year-old boy, while standing trial for murder himself. Hand of God stars Ron Pearlman as a corrupt judge who believes God is talking to him, guiding him to deliver a new form of vigilante justice.

But, if you’re looking for a new drama series to indulge in, I recommend The Man in the High Castle. The series shows us what North America would be like if Germany won WWII and the Nazi took control. But, not everyone is willing to abide by the new rules. (Trailer below)

For Comedy Relief 

Amazon is also home to some great original comedies. Transparent is a touching story of a family that needs to come to terms after learning their father, played by Jeffrey Tambor, is a transgender.  The Golden Globe winning comedic drama Mozart in the Jungle. A maestro for the New York Symphony, Rodrigo (Gael Garcia Bernal) maneuvers life in NY and shakes up the orchestra with his unconventional style.

While British humor may not be for everyone, I would highly suggest giving Catastrophe a chance. While on a business trip in London, Rob meets Sharon in a bar and has a weeklong affair until it’s time for him to go home. But, when they learn that Sharon is pregnant, Rob moves to London and the two try to figure out life as a couple. (Trailer below)

From BBC to Amazon

There are a number of British shows available on Amazon that are well worth checking out. If you like mysteries and psychological thrillers you’ll want to try Ripper Street and Orphan Black. Saved from cancellation by Amazon, Ripper Street follows a group of detectives that patrol the streets where the infamous Jack the Ripper murders occurred. 

Orphan Black, starring Tatiana Maslany, slowly uncovers a conspiracy involving Sarah’s (Maslany) past and, as it turns out, her fellow clones. Maslany brilliantly plays a number of very entertaining and unique characters. (Trailer below)

Click here to see what’s streaming on Hulu.
Click here to see what’s streaming on Netflix

***

Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut

by Soraya Hanzus

Nazi Germany is no good, but German food is. In light of The Man in the High Castle, here is a recipe for beer glazed brats and sauerkraut:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh bratwurst sausages
• 1 pound of drained sauerkraut
• 2 teaspoons of dry mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar  
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon of dried dill weed
• ⅛ teaspoon of celery seeds
• ⅛ teaspoon of caraway seeds
• 12-fluid oz bottle of lager beer

Directions

• Crush celery seeds and caraway seeds in a mortar and pestle until ground.

• Place bratwursts into a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  
• Mix beer, brown sugar, dry mustard, onion powder, black pepper, dill weed, and crushed celery and caraway seeds in a bowl. Stir all contents and pour over the brats. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  
• Uncover and raise heat to medium. Boil the sauce until it reduces to a thick syrupy liquid for about 20 minutes. Tilt skillet to roll brats in the sticky sauce until thoroughly coated. Transfer sausage to a platter and keep warm. Cook and stir sauerkraut in the same skillet to mix in any leftover sauce.
  
• Transfer sauerkraut to a serving platter and top with cooked bratwurst.