Strange Cake? You tell me.

There are many strange and peculiar recipes floating around on the Internet. And many good foods come from such ideas. My sister emailed me a few cake recipes last week and scrolling down the list, I came upon one with the strangest ingredient for a cake. The recipe came from her husband’s family, (do not try to read between the lines) as so many good ones have before this one. Peculiar ingredient for a cake, I thought - who would have ever thought of using such and why in the world would they?
Then my good friend, Carol Egbert posted a recipe using another odd ingredient in her cake called, Patty Pan Squash Cake. She said it was of my urging. I think I do remember mentioning it but my curiosity was originally of her squash pickles. So, I began to think twice of my sister’s mother-in-law’s cake and decided to put it out here for your comments. I know I would love Carol's cake but I don't know about this one. Tell me what you think.  

Marie’s Sauerkraut Cake 

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
1 cup milk
1 cup water

Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs - one at a time, mixing well in between. Add sauerkraut and mix well. Add dry ingredients; alternating with milk and water.
Bake in a 11 x 9 x 3 pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cake cool.  

Glaze:
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. corn syrup

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a quick boil, stirring. Spoon over cake while glaze is still hot.
-the photo is what I imagine it would look like before icing, you think?

Note: After comments and a discussion with my sister, the recipe comes from a German community in Texas.