germany-dinner

After dance recitals, music recitals, field days, end of year field trips, end of season soccer parties and yes, alas, the final day of school, I give you what you’ve been waiting for – an excuse to drink beer! Ahem, I mean, the June menu which is a delicious assortment of German food. Being part German myself I tried to pick meals that I don’t normally cook and that broaden my children’s tastes also. Some of the food is on the heavy side and some is good to BBQ, so if you are like us in the Northwest and are having a blend of June gloomy rain and then a random sunny day I think this menu will suit you well.

So if you are still cooking – and I’m thrilled that many of you are – congratulations we have made it HALFWAY through our New Year’s resolution goal! Give your kids (and maybe a spouse) a big high five for trying new flavors and learning more about our world.

Here is the June menu:

Buletten or meatballs – Found in Berlin this mainstay food is referred to as meatball or patty or loaf. It is salty and delicious.

Brez’n or that delicious soft pretzel – Yes, its that Bavarian soft pretzel we cannot get enough of. I plan to pair many of these with a beer and a large fruit salad in the upcoming heatwave.

Spaetzle or German noodle – This is an egg noodle that is soft in texture, completely unlike an Italian noodle. Strange at first to make, it becomes a completely addictive traditional German food. It can accompany many different sauces so find your way to one you love (we actually made a Croatian goulash to accompany ours).

Wurst (we all love) – Did you know that you can pair Wurst with many different things and it then becomes its own unique dish in Germany? Try yours with sweet mustard, curry or sauerkraut for a true German experience.

Hendl or roasted chicken – This is a simple dish served in beer gardens to accompany, well, the beer. I see a sudden theme in this post.

Knodel or dumpling – These are large potato dumplings that can be paired with any meat or sauce. In Croatia, my husband’s aunt wrapped them around a small pitted plum and cooked them until they were sweet and delicious. So this can serve as a meal or a dessert. You’re welcome.

If you missed a month, no worries, its a goal, remember? So here are the menus from JanuaryFebruaryMarchApril and May.

Here’s to helping our kids become better global citizens – one dinner at a time! Happy cooking everyone!