October 1st

Here’s one I learned growing up in Holland that’s classic German / Oktoberfest fare:

• 4 slices bacon
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups shredded red cabbage
• 2 tart red apples, cored and sliced thin but not peeled
• 2 Tablespoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beer (a nice winterbeer, of course!)
• 1 cup water (as needed)

Chop the bacon coarsely, then brown in a Dutch oven over a low/medium heat. When it starts turning golden, add the onion, sugar, apples, vinegar and caraway seeds. Stir constantly until the mixture in golden brown. Add the cabbage and beer, mix well and then raise to a boil. Once the mixture begins to bubble, lower heat and simmer for about two hours. You may have to add water.

In Holland we usually had this with potatoes and sausage, same as Germany. Enjoy!