Sauerkraut Soup

Now before you go and snub this soup, you have to know that neither of my boys like sauerkraut, but they love this soup.  It's so different, I know, but it's worth a try.  Make it for St Patty's Day and consider it your "Irish" contribution for the day!  It does make a whole lot, so make up some soda bread and invite your sauerkraut-loving neighbors over.

Sauerkraut Soup
serves 8-10

• 8 oz box of mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 lb leek, fine diced, or 1 large onion
• 1 1/2 cup fine diced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups fine diced celery
• 1 1/2 TBLS garlic
• 3 cups cubed potatoes, white, or white sweet
• 3 cups small chopped cauliflower florets
• 8-10 cups broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp all spice
• 1 1/2 tsp caraway seeds or dill
• 4 tsp oregano
• 32oz jar of good sauerkraut with juices
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 can white beans, rinse and drain

-- Saute mushrooms through garlic 10 minutes. 

-- Add remaining, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

Crockpot: combine all, high for 4 hours.