Munich's famed Oktoberfest begins September 19. If you're not already on your way to Germany or can't make it to one of the many upcoming Washington-area beer festivals or themed events, fear not: we'll show you how to whip up a German-inspired spread that will have you singing "oans, zwoa, g'suffa!" (one, two, drink up!) in no time. But first:
Top recipes of the week
Here are the ones in our database of tested recipes that readers viewed and shared the most:
1. Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Chippers. From the archives, these cookies are a good way to celebrate September, National Bourbon Heritage Month.
2. Whipped Hummus. Maureen Abood on a few key tricks to make ultra-smooth hummus.
3. DIY Feta Cheese. Our DIY expert Cathy Barrow shows how easy it is to make your own feta.
4. Kale and Chickpea Stew. Another oldie but goodie, this vegan and gluten-free stew is just right for the upcoming cool autumn nights.
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5. Phyllo Torte With Butternut Squash, Swiss Chard and Feta. The homemade feta is put to good use in making this show-stopping torte.
DIY Oktoberfest
Making your own soft pretzels is fun, but time is short and you can always just go to the Pretzel Bakery on Capitol Hill. Instead, exert your efforts making a few or all of these German-inspired favorites.
Smoke-Roasted Bratwurst. While you're out shopping for pretzels, pick up your favorite bratwurst to smoke-roast at home.
Inside-Out Bratwurst Salad. Looking for something lighter? Try this bratwurst-studded salad. (Hey, it's almost winter; time to bulk up.)
Sauerkrauben With Ham Hock, Apple and Caraway (Eisbein). This riff on a German classic will make your celebration a feast.
Warm Parslied New Potato Salad. A healthful take on the warm German-style potato salad.
Spaetzle With Ham, Peas, Cream and Aged Gouda (Schinkenspätzle). A quick, filling dish from chef Jeremy Nolen of Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia.
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Spicy Beer Mustard. This is one mustard that is best enjoyed right away — and you only need six tablespoons of beer, so you can drink the rest.
Share this articleShareFrom-Scratch Horseradish Sauce. Not into mustard? Try our classic recipe for horseradish from scratch — if you dare.
Horseradish Sauce. This condiment is toned down with sour cream, making it perfect for pretzel dunking.
Raeanne's Gingerbread. No German festival is complete without a heart-shaped gingerbread, like those pictured above. This recipe makes a firm cookie with icing fit for piping such phrases as "Prost!" (cheers!), "Mein Schatz" (my treasure) or the classic "Ich liebe dich" (I love you). Be sure to use the outline icing consistency noted in the recipe.
The beer
While you could go for the über-traditional (read: less-interesting) offerings from Hofbräuhaus, there are many other quaffable German and German-style beers that have crossed our lips. Our favorites are those from Ayinger, a brewery set in the idyllic town of Aying, Germany, not far from Munich. We've found Ayinger in many well-stocked liquor stores around the District (the Bräu-Weisse and Altbairisch Dunkel are particularly tasty, but the Oktober Fest-Märzen is perhaps most seasonally-appropriate). If you want something more readily available, we also enjoy Sierra Nevada's Oktoberfest.
Have a favorite fest-food or German beer? Let us know in the comments.
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