Sara's Sauerkraut, Sausage and Pork Chops

So here we are a few days before the Super Bowl is being hosted here in Dallas, Arlington and Ft. Worth and we're in the midst of a severe ice and snow storm, in fact we're at 16 degrees as I write this, which is the coldest weather we've had in Dallas in 15 years.  The Green Bay Packers are practicing only a few blocks away at Avery's high school, Highland Park High School in their indoor field and the SteeIers are practicing at TCU.  Needless to say, its an exciting week for all of us Dallasites.  Pete Delkus, our favorite weatherman is predicting more snow flurries on Friday with temperatures not expected to climb above freezing until Friday afternoon.  It's supposed to be sunny and a mild 59 degrees for the big game on Sunday, then on Monday another storm is blowing in with more snow.  8-{


Much to my delight, the kids and David were all home due to this wintery day and the perfect meal for dinner tonight was my Mother-In-Law, Sara's recipe, which is one of our family's favorites.  This stew consists of various kinds of sausage, thin pork chops, sauerkraut, shredded cabbage and veggies that are cooked low and slow in a broth consisting of V-8 vegetable juice.  It will seem like a lot of cabbage at first, but once it starts to cook the cabbage shrinks.  Serve over mashed potatoes and with your favorite bread and you got yourself a hearty meal that is comfort food that will soothe anyone's soul.



1 jar sauerkraut, drained and rinsed well
1 head of cabbage, shredded
1 onion, diced
4 carrots shredded
4 or more trimmed, bone-in, thin pork chops
2 - 3 kinds of cooked Bratwurst, polish and/or knockwurst sausages
1 large can of V-8
2 beef bouillon cubes
3 - 4 bay leaves
mashed potatoes

Put all of the ingredients into a large pot.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Turn down heat and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  Serve with mashed potatoes and a good, crusty French bread.