German Culture

All about Germany

Oktoberfest Traditions

Oktoberfest is often associated with beer, but the festival's traditions go beyond that. While the beer tents, of course, provide drinks, they also play only traditional Bavarian music. The original six Munich breweries still provide the beer. You can also catch people in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndls and lederhosen. Here are some … [Read more...]

Bauernbrot

Authentic-tasting German bread is easier to make than you'd think. Bauernbrot, or farmer's bread, is a hearty rye bread that is the standard loaf in many German homes, especially in the south. It was traditionally made from scratch in farm homes and baked in age-old, wood-fired ovens. It takes a few hours from start to finish, but most of that time … [Read more...]

Beer-Marinated Chicken

Grilled chicken marinated in German flavors of dark beer, mustard, lemon and herbs. Great German barbecue! Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon German mustard 1 cup dark German beer 1/4 cup lemon juice 4 cloves garlic minced 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil 1 teaspoon … [Read more...]

Buletten

Buletten, also known as meat Frikadellen, are made of ground meat mixed with softened Brötchen (bread rolls), and are one of Berlin's favorite dishes. Ingredients: 0.5 kg of ground beef and ground pork, or just ground pork 2 stale rolls, sliced or crumbled 1 large onion 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley 2 small eggs … [Read more...]

German Blitz Torte

This German Blitz Torte recipe is such a quick and easy cake to make. Even though this recipe looks long and complicated, it isn't. Blitz means lightning or with lightning speed, and that's what this cake is - speedy to make. For something even more special, add strawberries or other berries to the filling. Decorate this German Blitz Torte with … [Read more...]

Berliner Pfannkuchen (German Doughnut)

Known as Pfannkuchen in Berlin, Kreppel in Hessen, Krapfen in Southern Germany and Berliner just about everywhere else (excluding various dialectical variations), the jelly-filled donut, the cause of much unintended mirth when John F. Kennedy famously declared 'Ich bin ein Berliner' is a quintessential culinary component of Germany's carnival … [Read more...]

Grebbel (Fried Dough)

Grebbel is deep-fried dough, something like a doughnut, which is fried and then served with powdered sugar sprinkled on it, while still warm. Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup soft butter (no substitute) 1⁄2 pint sour cream (do not use fat free or low fat) 4 eggs, beaten 4 cups flour 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 tablespoons … [Read more...]

Rahmschnitzel

This chop is covered in a cream sauce, with lots of freshly ground pepper. Rahm is the German for cream. Ingredients: 4 veal schnitzel (alternatively pork) salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp flour 2 tbsp clarified butter 1/2 cup white wine, dry 200 ml heavy cream 2 tbsp creme fraiche, optional lemon pepper to taste 1 tbsp parsley, … [Read more...]

Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)

Homemade cucumber salad is a refreshing companion to any main dish, be it meat or fish, which is especially popular in summer. This simple German classic can be prepared with different dressings. Whether classic with vinegar or creamy with sour cream and dill, it's a winner! Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 small onion, diced Vinegar … [Read more...]