There are times when a craving just hits me. Last night, I had a real craving for good sauerbraten. I like to use the Alton Brown recipe.
The darn thing takes 3 days! Driving home yesterday, I realized that if I started the dish, I could be eating it by Sunday. I had everything I needed except the meat. A quick pit stop at the store remedied that with a 5 pound eye round roast.
So last night, I started the braten by searing the meat in a hot pan using salt, pepper, and a little oil. I then set to work making the marinade out of 2 cups water, 1 cup red wine vinegar, 1 cup cider vinegar, 12 juniper berries, 6 whole cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp of mustard seed, 1 large carrot, 1 medium onion, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. I brought the marinade up to a boil, then simmered for 10 minutes, then let cool.
I then put the meat into a large glass bowl, then poured the marinade over it. I covered with plastic wrap and into the fridge it went.
Between searing the meat and heating the marinade, the whole house took on this heavenly aroma. When I went to bed last night, my mouth was positively watering!
On Sunday, I need to add sugar to the marinade, then cook for 4 hours at 325. I think I will serve it with good red cabbage and a batch of my world famous spaetzle (sautéed in butter and dressed with fresh parsley). Pour up a nice cold beer (for a change) and have at it. I will stuff myself then settle down and watch my wonderful Giants destroy the Eagles!
I am having second thoughts about taking pictures to share with you good folks. It just might be too cruel in a "starving dog/rubber bone" sort of way...
just 36 hours until dinner!