Braised Red Cabbage (Denmark)

This is traditionally served for Christmas dinner. The flavor improves if you prepare the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then reheat it on the stove or in a 325 degree F oven before serving.

1 medium red cabbage (about 2 pounds)
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup red currant jelly
2 tablespoons grated apple

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Wash cabbage, remove outer leaves, and cut in half lengthwise. Remove core. Slice or chop fine, using a knife or food processor.

In a heavy 4- or 5-quart casserole, combine butter, sugar, salt, water and vinegar. Bring to a boil on the stove. Add cabbage and toss well to coat. Bring to a boil; cover casserole, and place in oven. Bake 2 hours. Check occasionally and add some water if all the liquid has cooked away.

Ten minutes before cooking is finished, stir in jelly and apple; replace cover.

Serves 4 to 6.