283126 Sat Feb 11 15:21:37 -0800 2006 3 31 Home Cooking 0 1510669 I will shortly be trying my annual "this year I'm gonna make it right!" sauerkraut experiment. Every year something goes wrong and I don't quite get the product I really want. If you have actually made sauerkraut, or watched it made, I'd like to hear any details you can offer. Thanks. Sat Feb 11 15:21:37 -0800 2006 0 Howard-2 1 1510719 I started a post, got side tracked, not sure if it posted, so here goes--again: Years ago an excess of cabbage in the garden led a friend and I on a 'why not?' mission to make kraut. We got the recipe from Mother Earth News or some such magazine, or maybe the excellent homesteading book 'Grow It!'. Thinly cut cabbage was layered in a sterilized crock with salt. A dinner plate was put on top and weighted with a brick wrapped in heavy plastic. We left it set on my unheated back porch (California winter temps of 40-50 nights) It bubbled and was pretty stinky. We skimmed it a couple of times. In several weeks it finished shrinking , and we drained and rinsed the kraut. My friend saved the juice to drink (eee-ewww). It was darker than store-bought kraut but the flavor was good and clear, no off flavors. Let me know if you need more specifics. Not sure what you're looking for, or what problems you've had. We got our info out of books or magazines of the day, but now there must be tons of info on the net. good luck tj Sat Feb 11 21:09:41 -0800 2006 1510669 0 toodie jane 2 1510848 This sounds exactly like how my Dad used to make his 25+ years ago. Right down to the ceramic crock, plate, brick, and oh yea...the smell!!! Sun Feb 12 17:42:23 -0800 2006 1510719 0 Phoebe 1 1510989 easy and full of heathful bacteria for your immune system! I use Sandor Katz's wild fermentation recipes. I make one small batch of red,and one of green. It is beautiful and delicious. The quick one (one week)does not mold. If you want to make a big batch annually,invest in a Harsch Crock,which is airtight and prevents mold. http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/prod.cfm/ct/5/pid/1139 Link: http://www.wildfermentation.com/ Mon Feb 13 14:06:33 -0800 2006 1510669 0 coralv