Kraimer's blaukraut

Meet the Kraimers... Probably the kindest, friendliest, and most generous family I've ever known. When I was young they moved in next door, and getting close to babysitting age I was very excited to meet the new neighbors with thier two toddlers. Over the next couple of years I spent almost everyday at thier house until their work moved them to Germany. However, I know that I will always be a part of the family and they will always have a piece of my heart. Over the years we have seen each other here and there, but it have been several years since our last visit; therefore, when I heard they were in the states munchkin and I arranged a visit almost immediately. So off we went on the 5 hr trip to Naperville (just outside Chicago). We had an amazing trip! Here are a couple highlights...

Ella was one when I started babysitting her, and will now soon be turning 17. During our trip she and Alex had so much fun together. 

Here's Alex and Josette playing under a statue. I vividly remember the day her mom told me she was pregnant with Josette, as well as, the day they brought her home from the hospital. 

We went to the Morton Arboritum, and Munchkin had a blast with Ella and Josette. 

We also went to the children's museum. Alex's favorite part was the duck river. She was constantly asking, "more ducks, more ducks?"

When I was growing up I remember spending many days in Whitney Kraimer's kitchen. She is a great cook, and I have always enjoyed leaning from her. During our visit she made homemade tapioca, and we simply couldn't get enough of it (we had it for dessert one night and breakfast the next morning). Be on the lookout for an upcoming post since Munchkin and I plan to try this soon. 

I also remember Whitney's great German food, and during last week she gave me

The recipe for her blaukraut. Basically Blau means blue, and it is a lot like saurkraut only made with purple cabbage. 

Obviously we had to make this as soon as we returned home. 

Kraimer's Blaukraut

1 head of purple cabbage

 apple

 onion

 apple cider Vinager 

 Brown sugar

(I didn't write it down as we talked about it, but I think this is what Whitney told me). 

The measurements are really to taste, but all you do is shred and steam the cabbage, and add the other ingredients to your liking. 

It turned out excellent, and I will make it many more times to remind me of the Kraimers. 

Even though it had been several years since I had seen this amazing family I felt like it was only yesterday. They have grown so much, but they are still the sweet, beautiful, smart, and funny girls I've known for over 15 years.