German Braised Purple Cabbage

butter ((or more!))

tart apple ((Granny Smith), peeled, cored and chopped)

medium onion (, sliced)

large purple cabbage ((about 2 pounds), shredded and chopped (2 inch pieces))

bay leaves

whole cloves

brown sugar

red wine vinegar

water (, and more as needed)

salt and to taste

freshly ground pepper to taste ((start with 1/4 teaspoon))