GERMAN SHEPHERDS PIE   
        using typically Teutonic ingredients 
        ( meaning sauerkraut and smoked meats) 
       
         
          16 ounces sauerkraut (canned or bagged), drained  
          1 onion, chopped  
          2 tablespoons dark brown sugar  
          Caraway or fennel seeds  
        1 pound cooked ham steak (You may substitute rope sausage, sliced on the bias; smoked pork chops; or slices of leftover corned beef.) 
        1 qt. mashed potatoes ( 
        1 pouch prepared mashed potatoes or you can use sliced potatles , 2 cans (15 oz.) whole potatoes, drained and sliced )  
         
          Heat the sauerkraut with onions, brown sugar, and a pinch of caraway or fennel seeds until the sugar has melted.  
        Spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Lay in meat and cover with sauerkraut.  
        Top with potatoes. Bake at 350° F until bubbly, about 30 minutes.   
           
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