Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large pan.

Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the minced onion and cook for another minute, or until the onion is just beginning to soften.

Set the pan aside.

In a medium-to-large bowl, combine the mashed potato, sour cream (optional), well-drained sauerkraut, egg, cooked onion and bacon, brown sugar, caraway seeds, freshly ground black pepper, and salt (if needed).

Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Shape the mixture into 1/2 cup patties.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan used for cooking the bacon and onions.

Add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Serve as part of a "big breakfast" or with barbecued sausages.

Optional: Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme in step 5.