New Year's Day Good Luck Dinner

Yesterday was the start of the new year and we followed the Dutch-German tradition of having a dinner of sauerkraut, pork and apple sauce. This meal is said to ensure good luck! I had the good fortune of cooking with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law! I also had fun making apple pie with my nephew (5yo) and niece (almost 3 yo)! They made little apple turnovers that we enjoyed with lunch. We all had lots of fun! I apologize for the lack of pictures, but in the flurry of getting the meal on the table, I missed my opportunity! The meal took a little prep and lots of cooking time. I use silver floss sauerkraut packed in glass jars. You can usually find it in the cold deli case near the dill pickles.

Menu:
Roast Pork Loin
Hot Dogs
Sauerkraut
Mashed Potatoes
Apple Sauce
Corn
Rolls
Apple Pie

Roast pork with Sauerkraut:
(Serves 12)

4-5 lb pork loin
5 lbs sauerkraut floss
3-4 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp caraway seeds
1 beer
4-5 cups water

Preheat oven to 325*. Drain and rinse sauerkraut. Place the sauerkraut into a deep roasting pan. Add the caraway seeds, brown sugar, beer and water. Mix all ingredients with a fork. Make a nest in the middle of the pan and place the pork loin fat side up in the well you made. Cover the loin as pictured below. Tent the pan with a piece of foil to prevent browning of the sauerkraut. Baste the roast with the pan liquid every hour or so. After 3 hours, the roast should be approximately 170*. Let roast rest on a cutting board with the foil covering it for 30 minutes. During that time, place hot dogs in the sauerkraut and allow to cook.


Applesauce:
(Serves 10)

6-8 medium McIntosh Apples
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Core and slice the apples keeping the skins on. Place apples and water in a covered pan over high heat. Allow the apples to cook down about 45 minutes. Mash the apples and add the sugar and cinnamon. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Cool and chill for at least an hour then enjoy!