Mr. Food Test Kitchen: Feb. 4, 2013 Hunter's Stew

When it's chilly outside, one of the first things we want when we get home is a hearty meal that'll warm us through and through, and here in the Mr. Food Test Kitchen, that means stew. And today's recipe, hunter's stew, was originally based on whatever was caught when they hunted, but in this version, the only hunting you'll have to do is at the market. Now, everyone has their own opinion of what belongs in hunter's stew, but in the Test Kitchen, we just love this simple take on the classic, and it's made in a slow cooker. Now, we add some sliced sausage (and you can use classic kielbasi, or smoked sausage), some fresh sauerkraut, a can of diced tomato (yep, the juice and all), and a chopped up onion. Then, a little secret ingredient: a sliced apple. You see, it helps cut some of the tartness from that kraut and adds a touch of sweetness to our stew. And to add a smoky richness, top it off with some crumbled bacon, and that's it. And the nice thing about the slow cooker: it does all the work so dinner is ready when you are. And let me tell ya, when you walk in the door and smell the aroma of this smoky stew, your mouth is gonna water. And when we dish up this flavorful, rich stew along with some home-style bread, for soaking up all those juices, ya better keep the slow cooker nearby 'cause everyone is gonna want seconds. The recipe for "Hunter's Stew" is online now, and it's perfect if you're hunting for a dish that is just packed with flavor. 'Cause when it's this hearty, this simple and this satisfying, you know your gang is gonna be saying the same thing we've been saying for years ... "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!"