Knockwurst with Spiced Sauerkraut and Smoked Pork Chops with Bacon, Apple and Onion
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INGREDIENTS KNOCKWURST 1 (16-ounce) package (4 links) knockwurst 1 tablespoon butter 1 pound sauerkraut, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 cup dark German beer Spicy mustard 1 loaf pumpernickel bread, sliced PORK CHOPS 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 slices bacon, chopped 1 medium to large yellow onion, quartered then thinly sliced 1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced 6 thin-cut boneless smoked pork chops*, halved at an angle 1 cup dark German beer ACCOMPANIMENTS 1/2 pound each of 2 cheese selections such as beer kaese, bruder basil, muenster Sour pickles 1 bag Bavarian pretzels Pierce the casings of knockwurst and arrange in medium skillet. Add 1-inch water, bring to a simmer and warm wursts through. Remove from 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 heat. Add oil, 1 turn of the pan and add chopped bacon. When the bacon reders its fat, add onions and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, then add sliced apples and sauté mixture for 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 ih 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 cheese and pretzels out for an evening of uber snacking! Makes 4 servings