I think it is the perfect weather to get my sauerkraut out and get some friends around the table to enjoy a "Choucroute garnie a l'Alsacienne". Actually I will be giving a presentation, on February 6th, "All about Pork" at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, www.eagle-bluff.org near Lanesboro MN. First there is a class on butchering a whole pig, then I will talk about each cut, the best way to prepare them, afterward everyone will be served a traditional "Choucroute Garnie!"

What is a "Choucroute" first and foremost it is the French Culinary Term for sauerkraut and Garnie means garnish. The traditional ingredients are: smoked pork ribs or chops, sausage(s), ham, bacon, juniper berries and riesling wine. Then off course many versions there after, served with different mustard and a good Alsatian beer. All these ingredients can be found locally specially if you have a specialty butcher shop around, as well as German or Polish delicatessen.

If you were to find yourself in Paris, Alsace and Germany at this time they are on all the Brasserie Restaurant's menu. It is easy to do, just allow some time to assemble it and cook it all in a very large dutch oven. Serve it right out of the dutch oven or set it out in a very large platter. The reason I have said "with friends" because it's take a crowd to eat it all!!!!!!!!! and very conducive to friendship and conversation!!!! More so if you add some music!!!!!