SANDRA'S QUICK HOMEMADE SAUERKRAUT with CARROTS

 Absolutely the freshest and best tasting sauerkraut,

in my humble opinion,

which is great on venison or moose Reuben grilled sandwiches

or Smoked Brat hot dogs...

Yield: (3 cups)

Prep: 5 Mins. (more time if shredding your own veggies)

Cook: 45 Mins.

Store: Refrigerated up to 2 wks

INGREDIENTS

1 (16-oz. pkg) Organic Shredded Cabbage and Carrots

--or 1/2 head of medium-size green cabbage thinly sliced into shreds and 1 shredded carrot on large holes of box grater--

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

3/4 cup water

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon whole caraway seeds

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a non-reactive Dutch Oven (or heavy-bottom stainless steel pot).  Stir, and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, while occasionally stirring.

Let sauerkraut cool completely.  Spoon into a glass quart-size wide-mouth Mason jar, cover with a plastic lid (not metal), and store up to 2 weeks in refrigerator. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S GRILLED HAM REUBEN SANDWICHES

The traditional method is to use Pastrami,
although I had Ham on-hand today ~
These are superb!

Serves: 2

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Grill: 4 to 6 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temp

4 slices whole wheat bread

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1-1/2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon gherkins, finely chopped

½ teaspoon lemon juice

4 slices *Dubliner cheese (or Jarlsberg or Swiss)

4 thin slices of quality ham

4 tablespoons sauerkraut, squeezed dry

***Suggested serving options:

--Prepared French fries, with ketchup for dipping

--2 dill pickles, halved lengthwise

METHOD

On a paper towel, spread each slice of bread with butter on one side, and flip them over.

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickles, lemon juice in a small bowl, and spread on each bread slice (non-buttered sides). Top spread with half the cheese, ham, sauerkraut, and remaining cheese. Top with other bread slices (sauce-side down).

Heat a large non-stick grill (or regular) skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until bread is golden and cheese melts. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve with French fries and ketchup for dipping, and dill pickle slices.

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(*) – We purchased the 2-lb. Irish Dubliner cheese from Costco ~ It has a very distinct flavor with a hint of sweetness, and it's a fine melting cheese.  It’s also delicious as a snack with sliced apples!