Brats, Baked Beans & Braised Red Cabbage

Our kitchen counter was crowded with an army of gadgets & appliances: the ubiquitous Kitchen Aide mixer (in royal blue, my mother's signature kitchen color), a clunky old microwave, a well loved coffee pot, coffee grinder, a tired tin toaster & toaster oven.  Much to my little hand's chagrin, an electric can opener never joined the ranks of the counter. How I longed for the easy click of electricity. The impossible crank of an old fashioned hand opener was enemy numero uno. An unusual medieval form of torture. That damn can opener was the only thing that stood between me & childhood canned goods like spaghetti-os or baked beans.

Twenty years later, my counter is without an electric can opener & I'm glad of it. I use an old fashioned hand crank opener just like my mom. Opening a can is still a small feat (my hands never got much bigger) but that makes it all the more satisfying. Right? That & the fact that I can dive into a can of cozy, salty/sweet baked beans any time I like.

I know, I know, canned. It's not typically something I cheer for. But somethings really are great out of the can. Baked beans chief among them, but artichoke hearts, corn, even the occasional chili or soup aren't bad either. Slopped out of the can can just be so comforting, you know?Usually all I need with my baked beans is a spoon, but paired with salty grilled bratwurst & sweet braised cabbage you've got a pretty darn good meal.

Braised Red Cabbage, for 2

1 red cabbage, sliced in chunks

1/2 white onion, sliced

1 tbsp. butter

1/4 tsp. all spice

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. red wine

4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp. molasses

salt to taste

black pepper to taste

In a sauce pan with a tight fitting lid, saute the onion & cabbage over medium-low heat in butter until coated & slightly softened without browning (about 8 minutes). Add half of the wine, vinegar, molasses, all spice & cinnamon. Simmer, covered loosely, for 5 minutes. Add the remaining red wine & simmer another 5 - 10 minutes. Salt & pepper the cabbage to taste.

Grilled Bratwurst, for 2 - 3 

6 Hoffbrau Bratwurst 

1 tbsp. olive oil

Drizzle a grill pan with olive oil & cook the brats over medium-high heat. Drizzle more oil as needed until the brats are cooked though, about 10 minutes.