* Exported from MasterCook Mac * Savory Choucroute Recipe By : Delicious Decisions/tpogue@idsonline.com Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Main Dish Casseroles Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 2 pounds sauerkraut -- plastic bag not can 1/2 pound slab bacon 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup carrot -- julienned 1 1/2 cups onion -- sliced 5 sprigs parsley 7 peppercorns 2 bay leaf 1/2 cup Gin 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup chicken stock -- defatted 2 cups beef stock -- or more if needed 1 pound knockwurst 1 pound bratwurst salt, to taste Pour off brine from sauerkraut and rinse. Drain and repeat. Squeeze out all wat er. Cut bacon into pieces and cook in one cup water, simmering about 10 minutes . Drain. Melt butter in a three-quart, non-aluminum casserole over medium heat. Add bacon, carrots, and onions and cook slowly for 10 minutes. Mix in sauerkra ut and cook an additional 10 minutes. Add parsley, peppercorns, bay leaves, gin , wine, and stock. Mix well and add salt. Preheat oven to 300F. Butter a piece of waxed paper large enough to cover kraut . Place buttered side down in pan and press. Bring to a simmer, cover, and bake in the oven 4 1/2 hours. Prick sausages and brown lightly in a skillet. Remove cover and waxed paper fro m casserole and add sausages to kraut (without rendered fat). Continue oven coo king for another 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Per serving (excluding unknown items): 831 Calories; 51g Fat (57% calories from fat); 37g Protein; 47g Carbohydrate; 102mg Cholesterol; 3755mg Sodium NOTES : Choucroute tastes best if prepared a day ahead and reheated before serv ing. _____