Bratwurst with Apples, Onion, and Sauerkraut

INGREDIENTS

• 4 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• Pumpernickel bread or whole grain
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 large onion (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 tablespoons dry vermouth
• 6 whole smoked bratwurst (about 1 pound), pierced all over with skewer
• 3 large Golden Delicious apples (about 1 1/2 pounds total), peeled, cored, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Wondra flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups sauerkraut (preferably fresh), rinsed, drained, squeezed dry (from one 32-ounce jar)