Soak the mushrooms in quarter cup water for 2 hours. Bring to boil and simmer for half 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.