S is for... Sister, Socktopi, and Sauerkraut

Sister

Getting ready to watch the Royal Wedding, 2012

My sister and I are especially close.  Unfortunately, we don't get to hang out together much, but when we do, it's a rare occasion when we aren't laughing so hard that our sides hurt.  If it's making up silly dance routines to Big Band hits, playing dress-up like ten year old girls, or pretending to be fashion critics at the mall, we are laughing.  It's this part of our relationship that I miss on a daily basis.

Socktopi

I make sock creatures.  They are all hand stitched and named.  It's kind of an obsession.  I also make sock monkeys and monsters.  

Lola

Herman

Sauerkraut Soup

This is one of my favorite soups.  It's a family recipe.  Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients 

4 Potatoes, Cubed

8 Cups of Salted Water

1 lb. Smoked Kielbasa Sausage, Cubed

1 Tbs. Caraway Seed

2 Cans Sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

1 Pt. Sour Cream, with 2 Tsp reserved

1 Tbs. Flour

Salt and Pepper to Taste  

Directions 

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Boil potatoes for 10 minutes. 
3. Reduce heat and add the kielbasa, sauerkraut, salt, pepper, and caraway seed. 
4. Allow soup to cook at a gentle boil for 20 minutes.
5. Slowly add sour cream, and stir regularly until mixed.  (Keep 2 Tsp. reserved).
6. Mix flour and reserved sour cream until it becomes a paste.  
7. Slowly add flour/sour cream mixture to the soup, stirring constantly until dissolved.  
8. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
9. Serve hot with slices of rye or pumpernickel bread.