Tonight we ate so very German

Komme, alle Freunde!  Komme zum essen Tisch.  Heute Abend gibt es Bockwurst, Frätzele Kartoffel, Apfelsosse und Spinat.  Wir essen echt Deutsch!

Now, if you are all still with me, let me share my excitement.  Last week I ordered from my hometown meat market, German bockwurst.  It is not bratwurst, but similar.  It is only produced during Lent.  As a child, growing up in the Amana Colonies, this was a typical meal every Friday evening during Lent.  It has been much to long, many, many years since I have eaten Bockwurst. 

When we lived in Michigan as a young married couple, we would be able to obtain bockwurst from Milwaukee, a German meat market, Usinger's.  But, it was oh, so very different.  Usinger's uses veal as a base.  It was alright, but not my favorite. 

The Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse makes their bockwurst from beef, pork, eggs, milk and chives.  I do believe it is the chives that makes this delectable sausage sing "Spring".  I do not have to express my satisfaction on the first slice of this sausage this evening.  You get the picture.

Of course, the Frätzle Kartoffel are also a must.  Traditionally, they are always served on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter.  My childhood neighbor, Larry, always called them Grüne Frätz, which sort of translate "green funny face."  It is simply shredded potatoes and salt, but if the potatoes sit too long, the pink-colored starch starts seeping out and when fried, it does tend to have a green hue.  It is a wonderful way to get kids to eat their fried raw potatoes.

And then, applesauce is a traditional partner to the potatoes.  Not store-bought applesauce.  Oh no...don't do that!  Just cook up some nice cut up apples and perhaps, add a touch of sugar.   The creamed spinach added a nice touch of color.  I'm sorry you couldn't all join us.  Ausgezeichnet!!