Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/29/2009 07:44 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/29/2009 10:17 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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"An Oktoberfest"~by Jenny Baxter of Jenny's Kitchen
Although the name Oktoberfest might imply that the world’s largest fair is held in the month of October, it really begins in September and runs into early October. Being part of Bavarian culture the festival is held in Munich Germany in huge tents set in a field or meadow. Well, Calaveras County held its own Oktoberfest in my back yard. Not like the traditional sixteen day affair, but for a few hours in the evening. Wanting to support my own Albert Michelson Parents Club, I donated an Oktoberfest dinner for 8 which they auctioned off at their Chicken in the Barrel fund raiser held each June in Murphy’s Park. .......
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The winners of this great prize were Jim Heryford, Gold Electric, and Kevin Jones. Now usually a dinner like this would be comprised of couples, but not this lively group! It was decided it would be a “guys night out” with a little twist. Their wives would act as Freilines during this festive occasion! So, here they came, Yvonne Heryford, Shannon Jones, and Linda Ayala, dressed in their specially designed buxommed aprons, hand made steins from Quyle Kilns and smiling faces. So the four of us bustled and hustled around my kitchen making platters of smoked salmon with rye toasts, capers and sour cream and Smoked Gouda cheese with crackers and figs. Next the kegs of Oktoberfest beer were tapped and placed on ice and the table was set in blue and white, Bavarian colors, with a huge basket of brezelin (pretzels) in the middle. When the guests of honor arrived, Jim Heryford, Kevin Jones, Bryan Stewart, Steve Shetzline, Dean Korblik, Miles Puccinelli, Dan Ayala, and Dean Linton the party began! The laughter was contagious! The music loud! The stories never ending! The food delicious! How interesting it was to watch these males have a bonding experience surrounded with an evening of just plain fun! The aroma of the wurstel (sausage) on the grill in my outdoor kitchen and the rotkraut (red cabbage) coming form my indoor kitchen was filling the air. As the gals pampered the men I completed the German potato salad and multi-colored tomato salad with capers and red wine vinaigrette. Once the bottles of Gewurztraminer were corked and placed on the table along side the rye bread and assorted mustards it was time to eat. The night air was perfect! The moon was high in the dark sky shining its brilliance on the candle lit patio and table. The twinkling stars were speckled across the heavens. We could not have asked for anything better. The last dish of the evening was apple strudel with warmed apples in a light caramel sauce accompanying ruby red port and orange Muscat! And with all this there was only one bierleichen (beer corpse)! As the crowd left with words of appreciation, kisses and hugs I was told when I donated another dinner they would all be back!!!!
German Red Cabbage
1 four pound cabbage cored and thinly sliced
2 cups chicken stock
4 Tablespoons butter
Place the butter and stock in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the cabbage and reduce the heat to low cooking covered for 30 minutes.
1 apple grated
2 whole cloves
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 stick cinnamon
Sea salt and cracked pepper to taste
Add the above ingredients and stir. Cook an additional 30 minutes.
½ cup red wine
Add about 10 -15 minutes before serving and continue to cook. Serves 6
Well, it’s thyme to go
Jenny Baxter
Jenny’s Kitchen
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