Try making homemade German pretzels.
Oh Oktoberfest! If you have ever been stationed in Germany you know how much fun Oktoberfest can be. Germans love their festivals, especially this 16-day food and beer funfair held in Munich.
So you move back to the States and are feeling a little disappointed this month? Why not create your own Oktoberfest with some foods you can find at your own commissary here in the United States?
You could make a meal for your own family or invite your friends over for a fun night of German food.
Let’s start with dessert. How about baking some German Chocolate Cookies? These cookies might be a little different than what you have had before but they are very tasty. If you love chocolate you should try: Death By Chocolate. And if you like something a little different you can go with the Lebkuchen German Oldspice Cookies.
Now for the main meal. When you are making German food, it might be good to stick to traditional foods so that everyone who comes over for your stateside Oktoberfest can experience the traditional cuisine. Try making German Schnitzel. You can’t have an authentic Oktoberfest without it. You can serve it with Hot German Potato Salad and Old Fashioned German Bean Soup.
You also want to have some German snacks on hand. You can make German Pretzels or a Crab Meat Cocktail.
In addition to food you would want to create a festive Bavarian atmosphere. You can add German flags, wear German clothing such as a Dirndl and make it look like an authentic Oktoberfest, even while living in California, Texas or Kentucky. You should also make sure you find some German music (like polka) to play in the background and most importantly don’t forget the beer!
Schnitzel is a favorite German dish.
You can also check around and see if there will be any local events near you. I know here near Fort Campbell they put on a small Oktoberfest each year. It is not exactly the same as you would find in Germany but it is a nice way to get together and experience some of the traditions.
