"Look Out... Sauerkraut!"

Sauerkraut, evokes extreme emotions in most of its acquaintances.

It strikes fear and revulsion in many a heart!

Others puzzle and ponder...

The rest of us rejoice... our taste buds begin to water, in blissful, anticipation of a culinary feast.

Despite growing up with this delightful dish, I only just learnt that Ghengis Khan reputedly introduced Sauerkraut to Europe.

The name Sauerkraut (sour or pickled cabbage) originated in Germany.

Oh, what a sublime sounding name it is!

However, I have no idea if my Aunty Fran's recipe bears much resemblance to authentic ones. This regular treat was cooked by my mother, accompanied by fresh, home baked, breadrolls (with crusts as tough as rhino hides)!

The recipe below, is clearly written for competent cooks (which I lay no claim to)! As was often the custom in days gone by, few quantities are listed... clearly, anyone 'with quarter of a brain' could work it out!

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Sauerkraut:

* Chop onion - place in saucepan with butter till glassy.

* Add 1 tin of Sauerkraut.

* Cook till glassy.

* Add 1 tin of water.

* Place raw pork chops on top, simmer 1 hour or until meat is cooked.

* Add a grated raw potato 10 minutes prior to serving.

* Keep stirring after adding potato.

* Serve with mashed potato and fresh crusty breadrolls.

>>>

The end result according to this self proclaimed culinary 'expert'... EXQUISITE!

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Why is this recipe a favourite of mine? My taste buds relish the succulent pork chops; the tangy flavour of the pickled, cabbage and the creamy texture of the mashed potato... not forgetting the aroma of freshly, baked breadrolls.

On first meeting my dear, husband, I generously served this gem up to him... he appeared to enjoy it. However... in the intervening decades, he has mysteriously, avoided repeating the experience. What some people do for love!

'Time jump' forward a decade... to when my creative, nine year old daughter chose a brilliant topic for her first song !

(Below is an abridged version)...

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“Sauerkraut! Look Out!

... Whether you like it or not,

You better watch out

For Sauerkraut.

Look!

Behind you

Run, run, run...

It's comin' for you now (x2)

Ow, ow, ow

Wow!!!!"

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Disappointingly, this did not become an overnight 'One hit wonder!' Nevertheless, several times when she was down hearted, her zany, 'big bro Joel' performed it on his guitar, complete with the concluding scream. She, still asserts to this day, that he never mastered the scream. Even so, like all great songs, it lifted her flagging, spirits no end... and NO! The lyrics do not imply permanent, emotional, scarring from a close encounter with Sauerkraut!

After my dear Mum 'swanned off to heaven' and left my Dad to fend for himself, he took to cooking Sauerkraut. Sadly, living 2000 kms from home, I visited far too infrequently. Typically, when back home with him, he would cook up a yummy brew of Sauerkraut for us both to feast upon.

So, what's in a dish? Apart from culinary delights or for some, detestable tastes... a myriad of memories, spanning over five decades of my life and a lasting connection to many people and places.

As I discovered, Sauerkraut is quite the world traveller... apparently, workers on The Great Wall of China preserved their cabbage using rice wine... which Ghengis Khan sampled and shared in Europe... and somehow, sometime, it graced us with its presence 'Down Under' in Australia... for which I remain extremely grateful!

So... Look Out, Sauerkraut! It might turn up on your plate, at your place!

Will you give it a worthy welcome or rebuff it with a turned up nose?

As for me... it's most welcome to come to tea anytime!

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This story was inspired by Judey Kalchik's writing prompt.