Sausage and Sauerkraut

This is a kicked up version of the classic sausage and sauerkraut dinner.  I like it because the all the flavors you expect are still there but they're enhanced with the addition of the veggies and white wine.

1c. baby carrots

2c. red potatoes, chopped

1 (16oz.) bag sauerkraut, rinsed and drained (this reduces that strong sauerkraut-y flavor)

1 lb. fully cooked beef sausage, cut into chunks

1/4c. white onion, thin sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4c. dry white wine

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. caraway seed

1. Layer carrots, potatoes and sauerkraut in your slow cooker.

2. In a skillet, brown the sausage; transfer to the slow cooker.

3. Saute onion and garlic in the skillet with drippings, until tender.

4. Gradually add wine or broth. Bring to a boil and stir in pepper and caraway.

Pour over sausage and veggies.

5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Serve with the rest of the white wine.  ;)

Cheers!

Seafood and Wine

I read, according to last month's Wine Spectator magazine, there may be real health benefits to pairing  wine with your seafood (as if you needed a reason).  This is part of what they say:

"Finding the perfect wine to match with fish may be challenging, but a team of French scientists has found that the pairing is worth the effort. A comprehensive review of recent research on wine and fish shows that the drink helps break down omega-3 fatty acids abundant in many types of seafood. This helps keep heart tissue stronger and healthier."

Good enough for me.  :)

Cheers!