1 head iceberg lettuce
1 lb. Swiss cheese, grated
1 tbsp. caraway seed, optional
4 c. pumpernickel croutons (see note below)
1 (16 oz.) can sauerkraut, drained
1 lb. corned beef, sliced thin
1 (16 oz.) bottle 1000 Island dressing

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces and toss with sauerkraut in serving dish (approximately 10 x 12 x 4 inches). Mix in caraway seed, if desired. Remove fat and gristle (if any) from corned beef and cut into narrow strips. Arrange cheese and corned beef in alternating rows on top of lettuce. Cover tightly and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

To serve: Add croutons and 1000 Island Dressing and toss well.

Notes: To make croutons, cut pumpernickel in 1/2 inch cubes and toast in 200 degree oven until crisp but not hard; toss with butter and garlic if desired.

May be made ahead and tossed at serving time. Serves 6-8.