Crockpot Pork and Sauerkraut

To bring good luck in the new year, it was always a tradition in our house when growing up, that we ate pork and sauerkraut on New Years Day.  This is a very easy recipe and the family enjoyed it!

Ingredients:

3 lbs. pork loin trimmed of excess fat
salt and pepper, to taste
1 T. oil
16 oz. sauerkraut drained
1 t. minced garlic
1 onion sliced
1 C. apple juice

Directions:

1. Liberally season the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides. 
2. Heat oil in large skillet or dutch oven. 
3. Sear pork loin on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side. 
4. Add seared pork into a slow cooker. 
5. Pour in apple juice*. 
6. Place onions, apples, and garlic around the pork loin. 
7. Top with sauerkraut. 
8. Place lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. 
9. Remove pork and slice or shred and serve with cooking liquids.

Note:  If you don't have apple juice, use chicken stock with 2 T. brown sugar as a substitute.