We decided to twist up the traditional brat and kraut duo. Some might say, "If it ain't broke don't try to fix it"....However with cooking, my mind tells me, "If it's good now it might be great if....." After digging through our closets, we donned our lederhosen and grabbed a beer. OK that's a stretch but secretly, between you and I, I would wear em' if I had em'!
Back to the food.......We ground a pork shoulder with a fair chunk of salt pork and mixed in the traditional spices of a brat. This ground blend was shaped into patties and gifted with a honeymoon period in the refrigerator. I'M A FOOD GEEK- did ya catch the joke??? They had a honeymoon...flavors marry when left to rest!! I'm aware I probably just lost the average reader but you all are aware of my nerdiness so I won't apologize.
The brat burger was to be dressed with peppery bacon and a spicy kraut before settling nicely between two buns. I started the kraut in the morning, rinsing it in cold water, frying up some bacon and onions, and allowing the whole shootin' match to simmer gently on the stove top for the better part of the afternoon. If I could bottle the smell this concoction produced I would be rich!
Let me just give you a little tidbit of information...steam and camera will never be a desired duo! The finished result was spicy (from the chili paste), vinegary (I'm certain that's a word), and delish!
Next on the menu was the hot German potato salad. The stacking layers of aroma in my home now contained the pungent smell of vinegar....and my wine glass contained the lovely scent of a good chardonnay! Wente Riva Ranch 2008 in case you're curious.
After Matt came home from work we fired up the grill and enjoyed some good cheese while visiting with our friend Tom and his dog Bear. Tom has a real dedication and affection for brats...For this night I will liken him to a cigar aficionado, partly because it's fun to say and partly because the man knows brats and kraut like no other! The pressure to make something truly authentic, yet new and inventive was palpable. (That last sentence was added purely for suspense)
The brat burgers were topped with sliced Gruyere and melted to perfection. They were quickly photographed and ushered to their final demise. (I speak of food like it is alive...in my world it is! It's a happy little world, you should visit...Bob Ross is here with me, and the happy little trees sway and the fluffy white cloud make a....uhhh anyways)
In the end...the dinner was great! Good company, good food, and a GREAT Bloody Mary makes for a fine evening indeed!
Intz. Gute Nacht!
