Spiced Apple Kraut Pork Food

KNOCKS AND CHOPS: KNOCKWURST WITH SPICED SAUERKRAUT AND SMOKED PORK CHOPS WITH BACON, APPLE AND ONION

Steps:

• Pierce the casings of knockwurst and arrange in medium skillet. Add 1 inch of water, bring to a simmer and warm wursts through. Remove from the pan. Drain the skillet and add butter. Melt butter over medium heat. Cut each knockwurst into 1/3 and add back to the pan to crisp casings. Add sauerkraut to the pan, sprinkle in caraway, add bay leaf and peppercorns. Pour the beer into the skillet. When the beer comes to a bubble reduce heat to simmer.
• Heat a second skillet over medium high. Add oil, 1 turn of the pan and add chopped bacon. When the bacon renders its fat, add onions and saute 3 to 5 minutes, then add sliced apples and saute mixture another 2 or 3 minutes. Add smoked chops to the pan and caramelize meat on both sides, 2 or 3 minutes. Remove chops to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Pour the beer into the pan and reduce heat to a simmer.
• When you are ready to serve, cut several slices of pumpernickel in half down the middle. Place a bowl of spicy mustard alongside the pumpernickel bread for passing at the table.
• Place 2 or 3 chunks of the knockwurst on each dinner plate on a bed of spiced sauerkraut. Serve 3 pieces of smoked pork chops topped with bacon, apples and onions. Place deli style large dill or half sour pickles, German cheeses and pretzels out for an evening of uber snacking!

PORK TENDERLOIN WITH CRAN-APPLE SAUERKRAUT

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook bacon and leeks over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until bacon is crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., Place sweet potato and water in a large microwave-safe dish. Microwave, covered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender; drain. Stir in bacon mixture, sauerkraut, apple, cranberries, wine, brown sugar, caraway seeds and 1/4 teaspoon salt., Transfer half of the sauerkraut mixture to a greased 4-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle pork with pepper and remaining salt; place in slow cooker. Top with remaining sauerkraut mixture. Cook, covered, on low 2-3 hours or until pork is tender (a thermometer inserted in pork should read at least 145°)., Remove pork from slow cooker; tent with foil. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve pork with sauerkraut.

PORK CHOPS WITH SAUERKRAUT AND APPLE

Steps:

• Salt and pepper the chops and brown them in hot oil or butter, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside.
• Add the apple and onions to the same skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion starts to look golden.
• Add the wine and stir, scraping up all the browned bits, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Stir in the sauerkraut, and place the chops on top, including any juices that have collected. Cover the skillet, lower the heat and cook until the chops are done, about 7 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not overcook.
• Note1: I've also made this successfully with chardonnay, but riesling is the best.
• Note2: Sauerkraut packed in plastic bags and sold in the refrigerator case tastes much better than the canned.

PORK-SAUERKRAUT SKILLET

Steps:

• Cook pork steaks in skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides.
• Drain.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper and reduce heat.
• Place onion and sauerkraut over pork.
• Mix wine, paprika and garlic and pour over sauerkraut.
• Cover and simmer 35 mins til pork is tender.

SPICED APPLE PORK ROAST

Steps:

• Cut slits in top of roast; insert garlic strips. Combine the flour, mustard, salt, sugar and pepper; rub over roast. Place fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. , Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. Combine the applesauce, brown sugar, vinegar and cloves; generously brush over roast during the last 30 minutes of baking. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.