"If you are uncomfortable with hostels, rent an apt.
It's a great way to get local and often times a better deal than a hotel.
This way you have a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, security, and definitely more freedom."

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The Irwin family has history going back to the noble Von Blume Family of Germany in early 1700’s.  The Von Blume family was involved in the Monrovian church and risked religious persecution during the 30 years war.  Upon arrival to America, two Von Blume brothers, Philip and John, changed their last name. Some say they did this to avoid religious harassment, but there are rumors that they were wanted for stealing horses in Germany and were avoiding discovery.  Either way, their name was changes Antes which is the Latinized Greek word for “flower”.  Blume in German means Flower. 

Brother Philip was a patriotic citizen to the United States.  He owned and iron foundry and cast the first cannon for use by the Continental Army.  The British were very disappointed of Philip and promptly put a price on his head.  He was also a colonel of the Philadelphia county militia. 

Brother John joined the continental army and served under George Washington as Lieutenant Colonel in 1776.  John had many talents.  He is said to be one of the first American composers, and expert watch maker, an inventor, and instrument maker, missionary for the Monrovian Church and world traveler.  On a missionary expedition to Egypt, followers of Osman Bey captured John.  He was tortured and nearly beaten to death.  Finally he was released when an unknown officer claimed to know him.  John claims to have never seen the officer in his life. 

The brothers were very active during colonial America  in Pennsylvania.  They participated as justice of the peace, county commissioner, judge of the court of common pleas, and a few other positions.  From them, came a long line of Antes with rich German traditions.  This recipe is a variation of the Antes way of preparing sauerkraut and bacon served with apples and sausages.  It reflects my love for German food such as sauerkraut and sausages.  The tradition of this recipe dates back to colonial times in Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s.  Sauerkraut cooked with bacon, sausages or other variatiation's would be eaten on New Years day. This guaranteed good luck for the coming year.  Did it work, who knows?  When fall came to upstate Pennsylvania the sauerkraut was made by Grandma in the same way as the early colonists who settled in Pennsylvania from Germany in the early 1700’s.  The cabbage was chopped, salted and placed in a large crock, covered with a plate and weighed down with a rock.  In a few weeks the sauerkraut was ready for many enjoyable meals.  Von Blume Krout and Sausage is open to many variations.  A favorite is to serve the bacon sauerkraut along with large sweetly smoked sausages covered with apple compote and mash potatoes and country gravy on the side to make a completely traditional German Meal. 

Submitted by Roger Irwin.