Oktoberfest inspired Bavarian party food is perfect for fall
Fri, 10/25/2013
By Holly Brown
Fall is the perfect time to try a German or Bavarian cuisine inspired menu. On a recent trip to Germany, I discovered fabulous food, wonderful wine, and enjoyed German Bier. I missed Oktoberfest in Munich by a matter of days, so I decided to throw an Oktoberfest party when I returned home. Happily, I was able to recreate the dishes I enjoyed so much in Germany. My Oktoberfest Party was lively, fun, and delicious! If that sounds like fun to you, read on for décor, menu, and recipe tips for a Bavarian Bash you can host!
My Oktoberfest menu includes schnitzel, spätzle, sausage, and strudel. You can find all my German Party Food recipes on TheBrownLounge.com. You’ll discover traditional recipes you can make at home. Of course, no Bavarian meal is complete without sausage. So, I took a trip to Pike Place Market and visited Uli’s Famous Sausage for his gourmet, handmade sausages.
Blue and white are the traditional colors of Bavaria, based on the official flag, so be sure to incorporate these colors into your décor, table napkins, etc. Beer mugs are also a must, along with good German bier. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ask the ladies to wear Dirndl dresses, and traditional lederhosen for the men.
German food is hearty and delicious. Spätzle, is an egg-based dumpling style noodle that’s a German menu staple. Making it from scratch is easy, and tastier compared to packaged spätzle. All you need are eggs, milk, flour and seasoning. Spätzle is great served with butter and fresh herbs. I also love to top it with Gruyère cheese, and bake it until the cheese is melted. Then top it with sautéed onions. It’s a comfort food taste treat!
Schnitzel is classic German food. Everyone loves it and most people know what it is, even if they don't speak German. It's traditionally made with veal, but it’s just as good with pork. The key to great schnitzel is pounding the meat out to tenderize it.
Of course you don’t want to miss out on dessert. Apple Strudel is a Bavarian favorite! The name Strudel means "whirlpool," because flaky pastry is whirled around a sweet and spicy fruit compote. Apple is the most traditional Strudel, but it can be made with virtually any sweet or savory filling. Butter roasted breadcrumbs are spread between the pastry and compote to give it the Strudel its famous "crumby" texture.
You can find these recipes and more Oktoberfest inspired cuisine ideas on TheBrownLounge.com.
Danke schön!
Holly Brown
Publisher, WebTV/Radio Host
TheBrownLounge.com
German Party Food Menu:
http://thebrownlounge.com/menu/german-party-food-menu/
Spätzle Dumpling Noodles:
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/german-spatzle-noodles/
Paprika Beef Goulash
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/paprika-beef-goulash-with-mushrooms/
Weiner Schnitzel:
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/pork-wiener-schnitzel/
Apple Strudel:
http://thebrownlounge.com/recipe/apple-strudel/