Sauerbraten Burgers

My husband spent much of several years in Germany, starting up a factory for his  company, and especially likes German food.   During Octoberfest - or any time of the year -  I  appreciate this really quick quasi-German  meal, mostly microwaved. The cookies are the key to the  authentic flavor. 

Mix 1 lb ground beef with 2 TB tomato sauce from an 8 oz can, 1/4 c. finely chopped onion, 1/4 c dark raisins, 3 crushed gingersnap cookies  and salt to taste. Shape into four patties about an inch thick. Place in a square glass dish, cover loosely with wax paper or plastic wrap and nuke on high 4-8 minutes, until firm to the touch and no longer pink. Pour off  the fat.

In a medium bowl mix 1/2 tsp salt, 1/3 c water, 2 TB brown sugar, 2 TB white vinegar, remaining tomato sauce, and 3 more crushed gingersnaps. Pour over the burgers, cover  and cook on high for 4-6 minutes, stirring once, until very hot. Let stand covered for 5 minutes.

Serve without buns, along with refrigerated mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower   and homemade or  jarred  sweet & sour red cabbage,  (which isn't  sour at all).  Even kids like the sweet red cabbage   made with apples.....you might  feel it necessary to create a new name for it!     Finish the German style meal with purchased apple strudel,  cream puffs, or apple turnovers from Arby's.   Genießen !