Soak the mushrooms in 1/4 cup water for 2 hours. Bring to boil and simmer for 1/2 hour. Slice. Wash the sauerkraut and squeeze it. Add mushrooms and the liquid in which they were cooked. Add the apples, the tomatoes, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Add the meat and the bacon, simmer 1 hour longer. It is best reheated. Served with steamed potatoes or rye bread.