Sauerbraten Spices

To Make the Sauerbraten Spice Blend: Mix spices together in a bowl.

To Make Traditional German Sauerbraten: Season a 4-5 lb. chuck, rump, or round of beef roast with salt and pepper. Place in a large ceramic or glass dish, then add 2 cups of cider vinegar, 2 cups of water, and 2-3 tablespoons Sauerbraten Spice Blend (2 1/2 Tablespoons of Pickling Spices and 1/2 Tablespoon of Juniper Berries ). Cover and refrigerate for 3 days, turning meat twice daily. Remove meat from marinade and reserve. Brown meat in 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in a large kettle. Add 1 cup of marinade and simmer, covered 2.5-3 hours (until tender). If necessary, add more marinade from time to time. Remove meat, let stand 15 minutes, then slice. Meanwhile, add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 4-6 crumbled gingersnaps to the liquid in the kettle. Stir until gravy thickens; add a little arrowroot or flour if needed. Pour gravy over sliced meat and serve.