1 large onion, peeled, root end left intact, and quartered
4 whole cloves
8 ounces thick-sliced smoked or pepper bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 pounds sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 garlic head, halved
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh parsley
2 bay leaves
2 (1-inch thick) smoked pork chops (about 10 ounces each)
1 pound kielbasa, cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
2 Fuji or other baking apples, cored and cut into large chunks
1 pound small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1/4 cup gin
Pumpernickel rye bread, mustards, horseradish, and cornichons, for serving