Bigos Mysliwski Hunter'S Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

dried mushrooms (4 to 6)
1/4 c. water
2 lb. sauerkraut (canned is okay)
1 large apple, peeled, cored and sliced (Rome or Jonathan is best)
1 can tomatoes (20 oz.)
5 peppercorns
1 bay leaf (2 if small)
2 c. diced Polish sausage or leftover meat
1 c. coarsely chopped bacon (not fried)

Preparation

Soak the mushrooms in the water for 2 hours, then bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
Save the liquid; chop the mushrooms.
Set aside.
Wash the sauerkraut and squeeze gently; add mushrooms with the liquid and add the apples, tomatoes and spices.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Add the meat and the bacon; simmer again for 1 hour longer.
It is best when prepared a day ahead of serving.