It's been cold here in the Carolina's too. Another saying comes to mind: "It's colder than a rat's behind"! Personally, I have never felt a rat's behind and would wonder just how the saying got it's start?
Last week, I had a taste for something hot, tangy and soft, yet with a little crunch and bite. I wanted a casserole type dish that felt like "winter". Root vegetables are in abundance during the winter months. They're filling and nutritious. I know there is a book out there called "1,000,000 Ways to Cook Cabbage".
Here is my rendition of Pork and Sauerkraut. This recipe passed the kid test at home with ages ranging from 10yrs
PORK STEAK WITH SAURKRAUT
2lb. Silver Floss Barrel Cured Sauerkraut (found in the hot dogs and sausages section)
4 red potatoes
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 lb. of bacon
2 slices of pork steak
1 large Granny Smith Apple
12 oz Hornsby's Hard Cider Crisp Apple or any Apple Hard Cider
1/2 Tbsp. Caraway Seed
1 tsp. Dill
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1/4 cup sugar
3 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned Salt (or season more, if needed)
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Black pepper
2 Tbsp. Canola Oil
Take one tsp. seasoned salt and pepper and sprinkle all over pork steaks. Cut pork steaks into strips; set aside. Cut 1/2 lb. bacon into 1 inch strips. Set aside.
Add cut up bacon to a cold large stock pot or 8 qt. cast iron pot.Heat canola oil in a large stock pot or 8 qt. cast iron pot. Fry up until crisp-8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet (leaving grease in skillet) and set aside. Season pork steak strips with remainder seasoned salt and pepper. In same skillet, add seasoned pork and cook until well done, around 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Chop apple into small pieces-set aside. Chop potatoes (with skins on) into small cubes and place in a microwave dish Add a small amount of water and cook potatoes in microwave for 10 minutes.
Saute' cut up onions and apples in cast iron or regular skillet/pot. Add Sauerkraut, potatoes and Hornsby Crisp Apple Hard Cider. Add all seasonings/herbs to dish. You may decrease the salt, if you prefer. Cover and Cook down on medium/low for 35-45 minutes. Stir about every 5 - 7 minutes until most of liquid has evaporated, then
Serve with a warm crusted bread.
Enjoy!
Thefryegirl2u
