Whip Up Choucroute in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients:

1 large onion, peeled, root end left intact and quartered
4 whole cloves
8 oz. thick-sliced smoked or pepper bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 lb. sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 garlic head, halved
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh parsley
2 bay leaves
2 (1-inch thick) smoked pork chops (about 10 oz. each)
1 lb. kielbasa, cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
2 Fuji or other baking apples, cored and cut into large chunks
1 lb. small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
1 1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup gin
pumpernickel rye bread, mustards, horseradish and cornichons, for serving

Preparation:

Stud each onion quarter with a clove. Layer the bacon, sauerkraut, garlic, onion quarters, herb sprigs, bay leaves, pork chops, kielbasa, apples and potatoes in the slow cooker in the order listed, and pour the wine and gin over the top. Cover the cooker and set it on low. Cook until the pork is falling off the bones and the potatoes are fork-tender, 6 to 8 hours.

Arrange the meats, potatoes, apples, onions, garlic and sauerkraut on a large platter. Serve with pumpernickel rye bread, mustards, cornichons and horseradish.