Sauerkraut Casserole

4 strips bacon
1 cup chopped onion
1 (32 ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
1 large peeled and shredded potato
1 cup peeled and chopped apples
1 cup no-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup brown sugar or substitute
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine
1/4 pound lean ham, cut into chunks (or leftover cooked pork)

Snip bacon into small pieces and place on a microwave broiling rack or paper plate. Cover with a paper towel and cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Drain bacon and place in crock pot.

Add all remaining ingredients. Cook for a minimum of 4 hours on LOW.

Optional microwave method: Microwave bacon as directed above; drain and place in a microwave-safe casserole dish. Add all remaining ingredients except ham. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 minutes. Add ham. Cook on 50% power for 3 minutes.

Per serving: 263 calories, 6 gr fat, 920 mg sodium

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fruit, 3 veg

To reduce sodium, substitute cooked pork for ham and/or fresh cabbage for sauerkraut.