Monday, April 27, 2015

German Apple Fritters...


Apfelkrapfen are often considered a Bavarian specialty, although everyone knows them and fries them up at home. Slice the apples in the round, cover them with a batter and deep fat fry them for some instant comfort food. This batter has egg whites providing the airiness but yeast dough and puff pastry versions are also known. These are popular at the Amana Arts Guild Art Festival in August, a very special treat for a sweet-tart bite. These will be at other local Amana festivals.


INGREDIENTS
  • 2 - 3 baking apples
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 1/2 c. flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 1 T. sugar or vanilla sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • Oil or fat for frying
  • Sugar and cinnamon for serving
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes






Saturday, April 25, 2015

German Potato Pancakes...

Popular in the Amana Colonies restaurants, festivals and homes are the thin, crispy, golden-fried potato pancakes. They can be made with store bought hash brown potatoes or garden, grated potatoes. The recipe has been made in my German family many years, always served with applesauce. The hot pancake and cool sauce make a wonderful combination. The recipe includes onion, parsley, eggs, and grated potatoes prepared for a hot, oiled griddle or pan. They are a great side to pork or beef or by themselves with applesauce.



MAIFEST Kuchen

A popular MAIFEST attraction is the Heritage Museum's homemade Kuchen booth and its Kuchen or cake. BcSlices of delicious cakes are sold in the old barn Festhalle to be enjoyed by all who will come visit the colonies during this most festive celebration of spring. This is one of the popular local recipes.
MAIFEST Kuchen
2.5 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 cup lard, 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup sugar, fruit,-fresh or canned peaches, apples, cherries or plums, 1 cup  sugar, 2 heaped tablespoons flour, 1 cup thin cream, 3 eggs
Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Cut in the lard, then add the milk and form it into a ball. Divide the dough into equal parts and roll out on a floured board to fit bottom and sides of a 9-inch cake pan. Now, arrange a layer of sliced fruit in circles on unbakedd crusts. Beat remaining ingredients together and pour over fruit. Bake at 425° for ten minutes. Then, reduce heat to 350° and bake until fruit is cooked and custard well set.  ENJOY!