SPARE RIBS AND SAUERKRAUT RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F. Choose a baking pan that will accommmodate the ribs in pieces or all hitched together, with the kraut in the space left over. Eight country-style ribs cut into a 6-rib and a 2-rib hunk, plus the can of kraut, fit perfectly in a 9-by-13-inch pan. For more ribs, get a bigger pan and more kraut.
• Place the ribs in the pan and the sauerkraut in a mound beside them. Cover the ribs — not the kraut — with the barbecue sauce. Use as much as you like, maybe more than half the bottle, maybe less. Cover the pan tightly withaluminum foil and bake for 3 hours. Lift a corner of the foil near the end of the time to sneak a look. The ribs should be nicely browned and glazed and your mouth should water. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Place ribs in a large pot, cover them with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain the water and cool the ribs until you can touch them. Cut them into 1 or 2 rib portions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set them aside.
• In a large Dutch oven sauté the onion in shortening until glassy. Add the ribs, reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Drain sauerkraut and add it to the ribs. Pour water and wine over the ribs. Add the apple, bay leaf and cloves, turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
• Peel, wash and grate the potato and place into the sauerkraut mixture. Add a little water if needed. Stir and simmer another 1/2 hour. Season with salt and pepper and a dash of sugar.