Festivities Archives | The Oma Way

Currywurst Sauce Recipe

May 25, 2023/in German Culture, Main Dishes, Oktoberfest, Spotlight/by Oma

Currywurst Sauce Recipe – It’s German

The Currywurst Sauce Recipe is a German Recipe served cold over fried or grilled bratwurst cut into bite-size pieces with sprinkles of curry on top. I also like the sauce over boiled Knockwurst.

Ingredients for the Currywurst Sauce Recipe:

2 large yellow onions peeled and diced (500 g – 1.1 lbs)
800 g (1.76 lbs) of canned whole peeled tomatoes (a large can has 794 g – 1lbs 12 oz)
150 ml (5.07 oz) of white cooking wine OR water 75 ml – 2.5 oz mixed with 2 tablespoons of apple vinegar and apple juice
100 ml (3.38 oz) of orange juice OR pineapple juice
2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
2 tablespoons of tomato paste OR 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of Worchestershire sauce
3 tablespoons of sugar, brown
1 tablespoon of paprika, sweet
2 tablespoons of curry, optional mild or hot Madras curry powder
¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, optional
½ teaspoon of cloves, ground
1 teaspoon of salt

Preparation of the sauce

Peel the onions and cut them into small dices. Heat the oil in a skillet pan and fry the onion dice until they are transparent. Next, sprinkle the sugar over the onions and caramelize them. While stirring, add the tomato paste and cloves until the ingredients are mixed. Finally, pour the wine/grape juice, tomatoes, and orange/pineapple juice over the onions before adding paprika, curry, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Turn the heat down and let the sauce uncovered simmer for 25-30 minutes or until it thickens. Then, puree the sauce in a blender or immersion blender. Spice it to your taste. Let the sauce cool and refrigerate for a day before using it to allow the flavors to meld.

The currywurst is served with French fries or a roll.

German Traditional Sunday!

December 4, 2022/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, German Culture, German Traditions/by Oma

German Traditional Sunday – Great Food and a greater sense of community

As I look back at my life, growing up in a small town in Germany, I’m reminded how important the German traditional Sunday was in bringing the community and families together. The atmosphere; that special feeling of warmth, joy, and togetherness; was only outdone by the magic of the Christmas and Easter holidays. Nevertheless, this “day of rest” was always a time cherished by every member of the family—and the traditional Sunday meal was a big reason why. (See my traditional Sunday menu recipes below.) Preparations for the gathering started on Saturday, and everyone had responsibilities, including the children. And the reward—from the brisket and dumplings to the cakes and puddings—couldn’t be more delicious.

Preparation of German Traditional Sunday

On Saturdays, my mother would wake up early to run errands—visiting the local butcher, bakery, and grocery store. As a young child, I always liked to join her because the butcher would give me a free sample bologna. But we had to hurry, all the stores closed at 1 pm for the rest of the weekend until Monday. And soon, my older brothers would be returning from school. That’s right, we had school on Saturdays. Luckily, kindergarteners, like myself, were spared.

Back home, mother would start cleaning the house and preparing the soup and the vegetables. She would also make two cakes for Sunday afternoon, one simple one and one that was more of a pastry. While all this was going on, my siblings and I helped with the chores and we each shared different responsibilities. It was serious work, but we knew if we did a good job, we would soon be playing outside with our friends. I loved to shoot marbles. And I was good at it, often beating the older boys in the neighborhood. The other kids would walk on stilts or buckets. Some girls played the Chinese rope or hopscotch. Many children would also gather rocks of varying colors to draw and decorate the sidewalks and streets. It was a fun time for sure.

Preparation on Saturday for the German Traditional Sunday

Saturday’s final task was sweeping the streets. It was a chance to chat with the neighbors during this communal activity. However, when the church bells rang (at 5:00 pm in the winter and at 6:00 pm in summer) all the children knew it was time to go home—but not before picking up the milk from the farmer who lived three houses down the road. When we arrived home, the water for the bath was heated up in a large kettle over a wood fire. (This kettle was also used to wash the laundry and to cook the sausages after butchering once a year.)

[Pictured on the right, a photo of my grandmother (in the center) picking up her milk.]

After bathtime was dinnertime. The meal consisted of fresh bread, an assortment of cheeses, homemade pickles, fresh-picked vegetables from the garden, the ham my father painstakingly smoked, and homemade sausages (which were preserved in jars or cans from the last butchering). I didn’t care much for the sausages, but loved the fat (Schmalz) that formed on the top. When dinner was finished, it was time for bed. Bedtimes, of course, depended on our ages. Out of seven kids, I was the third youngest.

Morning of the German traditional Sunday

A German traditional Sunday morning began with breakfast—and the first slices of mother’s cake were served. Soon, we would have to get ready for church or Sunday school. My mother would give us a choice between the two. (My brothers and I usually picked Sunday school because we could do arts & crafts. On nice days, we even played outside.)

[A picture of two of my brothers and I at Sunday School.]

Afterwards, we would come home and the table was already set and lunch was prepared. Out of respect, and because he was the main breadwinner, my father was served first. After lunch, we would help my mother hand-wash the dishes. My father would take a little nap on the chaise lounge that sat in the kitchen. Later, we either go for a walk or entertain visiting relatives. I wouldn’t want to miss those times because, in addition to the coffee that was served, there was mother’s pastry. So good.

These German traditional Sunday experiences are truly memorable. It was a time when children could feel safe but also independent. The whole village would come together—sharing in responsibilities and looking out for one another. It was a community in every sense of the word. Even as children, we understood our part in helping out around the house and in the neighborhood.

Today, as a grandmother of five, I do my best to uphold the traditions and support the values that keep us all connected. It starts with the meal. So, without further ado, let’s eat!

Yours, Oma

Scroll down to click on the recipes for a traditional Sunday meal

Bone Marrow Soup (Markklöβchensuppe)

Bone Marrow Dumplings (Markklöβchen)

Savoy Cabbage (Wirsing)

Brisket with Horseradish Sauce (Suppenfleisch mit Meerrettichsoβe)

Chocolate Pudding with Vanilla Sauce (Schokoladenpudding mit Vanillesoβe)

Apple Cake on a Sheet (Apfelkuchen auf dem Blech)

German Cheese Cake (Käsekuchen)

You’re all set for one of the typical German traditional Sunday lunch menus. Thanks to one of my grandsons who volunteered to be the taste tester.

German Wedding Traditions – getting married in Germany and how to celebrate

November 28, 2022/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, German Culture, German Traditions, German Weddings/by Oma

German Wedding Traditions

German Wedding Traditions and how to celebrate in three steps. It starts with the Polterabend followed by the legal ceremony at the city hall, Standesamt. The church wedding is the final celebration and highlight. The sequence of the festivities are flexible, and the traditions vary depending on regions.

German Traditions – The Polterabend

The Polterabend is the evening before the City Hall Wedding, to give friends, colleagues from work, and acquaintances a chance to celebrate with the bride and groom and their families. Usually, there is no invitation, and the size of the party depends on how well the couple is known or involved in the community life. The guests arrive with porcelain dishes, plates and sometimes with even larger parts like porcelain sinks and smash them to bring luck. The Bride and groom have to clean up the broken pieces, to demonstrate, that they can work together.

The evening of the Polterabend is filled with entertainment such as; speeches, songs, and sketches performed by friends while eating simple food and mostly drinking beer.

German Wedding Traditions – City Hall – Standesamt

The City Hall Wedding makes the marriage legal, whereas the church wedding is optional. Registering at the office was done already weeks ahead and includes picking the date and the choice of the last name. Only the witnesses to the wedding, closest family members, and sometimes close friends are present during this official part.

German Wedding Traditions – Church Ceremony

The Church Wedding is open to everyone. At the Church Wedding, the bride wears a white dress and either a veil or some hair decoration. I used to have a wreath of myrtle since this was a tradition over generations in my family. I bought my shoes with pennies, which I collected over the years in an oversized cognac bottle, another wedding tradition. The groom wears a suit or tuxedo. The wedding bands are simple identical rings without diamonds. They are worn on the left hand after the engagement and changed to the right side during the church ceremony. The groom has to pay for the bride’s flowers and the flowers that decorate the hood of the car. It is an honor to drive the bride and groom. I picked the husband of my godmother whom I always wanted to marry as a child.

How the church service will take place is discussed ahead with the priest. The bride and groom pick the songs, music and a quotation (Trauspruch) from the Bible they want to have as their motto for their marriage. The bride and groom enter the church together after family, friends, and guests are seated.

After the Church Service

After the vows and the exchanging of the rings, the newlyweds follow the priest leaving the church. Sometimes spectators are waiting outside to welcome the new husband and wife while throwing rice at them. The couple needs to pass a formed honor guard before they can receive the best wishes and congratulations from the guests who attended the church service.

The cars of the wedding party are decorated with a white ribbon on the side or front and will drive in a procession to the reception while honking the horn. The wedding car usually has empty cans bound together with a cord attached to the back of the vehicle.

Reception of a German Wedding

The reception starts with an opening speech and followed by the first waltz danced by the bride and groom.

After cutting the wedding cake, entertainment with music, games, and tricks will continue. The most of the cakes are prepared by family members and friends like a Mocha Buttercream Cake, Frankfurter Kranz Cake, Traditional Black Forest Cake, and Sunny Side Up Cake, to mention a few. At one point the bride will be kidnapped by friends of the groom and hidden in one of the many restaurants in the town. The groom has to search for the bride and only then can he get her back after paying for the drinks everybody in the restaurant consumed. Sometimes he also needs to pay for a box of beer or wine to buy his wife free. Back at the wedding celebration, more challenges are waiting for them.

One of the traditions could be drinking from one cup (wedding or bridal cup) at the same time without spilling the drink.

Tricks on the newlyweds

The bride and groom can expect some more surprises at their home after the party. There might be plastic cups filled with water on stairs or the entrance area. The bedroom could be filled with balloons, or the bed could have been taken apart. Finding their car could be difficult because friends might have lifted it and carried it away to a different place and wrapped it in toilet paper.

Those and many more ideas are part of the German Wedding Traditions. Setups of situations during the celebration to force the bride and groom to solve their problems together while working hand in hand.

Oktoberfest Party Guide. The ultimate guide to hosting a real Oktoberfest party in your backyard.

November 15, 2022/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, German Culture, Oktoberfest/by Oma

Oktoberfest Party Guide

Think Oktoberfest is all about beer? Think again. Just as important as those amazing Bavarian lagers are the authentic Oktoberfest dishes that make every Oktoberfest party so special. With good food and good drinks, come good times. And you will find everything you need to host a successful Oktoberfest beer garden festival in this quick Oktoberfest Party Guide! The best traditional recipes. The top-ten beers. And the greatest Oktoberfest playlist ever. It’s all here in this Oktoberfest party guide. So, let’s get the party started!

Please scroll down to find all recipes, drinks and music

Where it started

What started in Munich in the year of 1810, has spread across the world and is more popular today than ever. Traditionally, Oktoberfest starts in September and last until the beginning of October. The most famous Oktoberfest festival is in Munich at the Wiesn. Let’s recreate the magic of this fun-filled German beer fest celebration in a way that would make King Ludwig l proud.

Welcome your guests by decorating your home in blue and white—the traditional colors of the state of Bavaria. You can theme your surroundings with these Oktoberfest party supplies—including banners, table cloth, cups, napkins, and more. Keep your fine china in the cabinets and use simple and rustic seating and place settings. If the weather is accommodating, host your private beer festival outside in the garden. Maybe rent a tent for the backyard. Look for a picnic area, perhaps. Or, take it to the streets and get the whole neighborhood together for an Oktoberfest block party.

Most importantly, keep the Oktoberfest beer cold and music going. And don’t forget to launch the opening of your party with the official “O zapft is” cry—which refers to tapping of the first beer keg.

I wish you a wonderful Oktoberfest party with family and friends. And as always, let me know how it goes!

Yours,

Oma

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST APPETIZERS:

Emmenthaler with Salt and Pepper

Obatzda (spiced chess-butter-spread)

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST PARTY MAIN DISHES:

Typical Oktoberfest recipes that brings everyone to the table. So good. So flavorful. So German!

Pork Roast with Gravy

Bratwurst

Sauerkraut

Frikadellen – German Meatball Patties

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST PARTY SIDE DISHES:

There’s plenty of room on that plate. Complement your main dish with some of these old fashioned homemade side dishes.

Soft Pretzel

Mashed Potatoes

Coleslaw

German Potato Salad

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST PARTY DESSERT:

It’s not the end of the party – just the end of the course. A variety of apple cakes to choose from. Change the plate, go back to the table and load it up with one of the apple desserts to give your meal a satisfying finish.

Apple Cake with Vanilla Sauce

Sunken Apple Cake

Apple Streusel Cake

GERMAN AND GERMAN-INSPIRED OKTOBERFEST BEERS:

You don’t have to travel all the way to Munich to find a brewery that pairs well with your Oktoberfest celebration.

Here are Oma’s Top 10 Oktoberfest Beers

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST MUSIC:

No Oktoberfest Party is complete without the perfect soundtrack. From traditional to modern, folk to country, this 35-track German Oktoberfest playlist will get swaying and raising the glasses. Best of all, each track is linked to listen in. If you like it, you can download. Let’s celebrate! Just hit play.

Shining a light on the meaning of St. Martin’s Day Tradition in Germany with lanterns and more!

November 1, 2022/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, German Culture, German Traditions, St Martin’s Day/by Oma

St. Martin’s Day Tradition!

St. Martin of Tours was a soldier in the roman army. One winter, he was riding on his horse and saw a beggar freezing on the side of the street. Martin took off his coat and divided it with his sword into two pieces to share with the poor man. In that night, so the legend goes, a man appeared in Martin’s dream and Martin recognized him as Jesus—wearing the other half of the coat he gave to the beggar. Martin felt compelled to quit the army, get baptized, and later became a bishop. After his death, he was declared holy by the Pope and was canonized the patron saint of the poor and the soldiers. St. Martin’s Day tradition is celebrated every year in November.

Even though St. Martin died on the 8^th of November 397, the Germans and some other European countries celebrate St. Martin’s every year on November 11t^th, the date of his funeral. After sunset, children walk with their homemade, candle-lit lanterns on a stick through the streets following a man dressed as St. Martin on the horse. The walk usually ends at a bonfire, where the depiction of St. Martin cutting and sharing his coat comes alive, and the children receive their Bread Man (Weckman, Stutenkerl).

Saint Martin’s Day Food

The Martin’s Goose is another St. Martin’s Day tradition. It’s also known as the Martinsgansessen a St. Martin’s Feast. Butchered the night before St. Martin’s Day, the goose is usually stuffed with apples, prunes, bread; and seasoned with herbs and spices. Depending on the region, bakeries offer edible Martin Men with little pipes in their mouths. They are a treat made from yeast dough.

In the links below, I’ll show you how to roast a Martin’s Goose, how to bake the Martin Men, and how to make the paper lanterns. I’ve always enjoyed celebrating the St. Martin’s Day tradition when my children were young. It’s another great memory worth keeping alive—and sharing.

Yours, Oma

Martin’s Goose – Martinsgans

Martin’s Men – Weckmänner, Stutenkerle

Lanterns – Laterne

German Wine Festivals! It is time for new wine! Great bottles and the Recipes to match.

October 20, 2022/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, German Culture, Wine Fest/by Oma

German Wine Festivals

While Oktoberfest is in full swing in America, the Germans have moved on from their September celebration and are ready to commemorate the fruit from the vine. That is right, it is time for new wine and to introduce the fermented grape juice at the German Wine Festivals.

In October, the well-known wine-growing regions between the Rhine, Mosel, and Saale Rivers are starting to pick their grapes and press them into wine. Throughout this part of Germany, weekends are filled with festivals and wine-tasting events. The new wine is called “Federweisse.” Feder meaning feather and weisse meaning white. Together, Federweisse translates to: Newly pressed wine.

Whereas pretzels belong to beer, onion tart belongs to Federweisser. If you can not get this type of wine locally, you can always substitute it with any of your favorite chilled bottle of white wine. Here are some of mine.

Scroll down to find the recipes

Oma’s favorite white wines for fall:

Germans live by the principal: “Essen und Trinken halten Leib und Seele zusammen,” which means, “Food and Drink hold body and soul together.”

Pair your white wines with these savory fall recipes:

Onion Tart (Zwiebelkuchen)

It’s really more like a quiche, but the Germans would never dare call it that!

Boston Lettuce Salad with Oma Mutti Dressing

“Oma Mutti” is what my son called his grandmother. It means “Grandmother Mommy.”

How do like them apples?

It’s peak of apple season so, naturally, you’ll find lots of desserts and drinks—including apple cider, juice, and wine—made from this deliciously versatile fruit. My Apple Streusel Cake and Homemade Apple Sauce has always been a family favorite. And hopefully, it they will become one of yours.

Apple Streusel Cake

Fresh McIntosh apples with a sweet crumble topping. Too good!

Homemade Apple Sauce

It is so good and so easy to make, you will never buy apple sauce from a jar again.

And do not forget, there are other amazing apple recipes in Oma’s kitchen…

Try the Apple Cake with Vanilla Sauce and the Sunken Apple Cake. They’re almost impossible to resist!

The First Day of School

August 4, 2022/in Back to School, Children, Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, First Day of School, German Culture/by Oma

First Day of Elementary School – always picture perfect.

In my day, the beginning of the school year started in spring and not after the summer break. The Einschulung, as we say in Germany is a very festive event and celebrated with traditions.

My godmother gave the new backpack called Ranzen to me, and my mother made sure that the traditional school cone was finished and filled with chocolate and goodies.

Dressed in my best cloth I was prepared to attend the ceremony at the school. After the introduction to my new teacher, we walked to our classroom to receive our schedule followed by taking a group picture. We proudly held our school pretzels for the girls decorated with pink ribbons and for the boys with blue ribbons. (See picture above).

The beginning of the celebration ended at home sharing the pretzel with family and friends.

Einschulung in the fifties and sixties in Germany.

I was very proud on my first day and felt very special. I thought every school year would begin this way. But to my surprise, the following year, there was no pretzel and no school cone. I realized that this was a one-time event. No wonder that Einschulung day is still so vivid in my mind.

Safety First

Most of the children in Germany are still walking to school. The children wear a bright yellow/orange cap to protect them in traffic and to make them easier seen by passing drivers.

I wish every newcomer to school life a great start and hope their first day is as exciting as mine was.

Yours, Oma

(Click titles or photos to go to featured post.)

School Pretzel

School cone

Invitation for download

Traditional German Christmas Cookies Recipes

June 8, 2022/in Baking, Christmas, Desserts, German Culture, Spotlight/by Oma

Traditional German Christmas Cookies

The Traditional German Christmas Cookies are offering a large selection of recipes, and all with quite a story. Some cookies are easier to prepare than others. Butter, eggs, flour, sugar, spices, and a variety of nuts are basic ingredients. The baking goods have a few things in common which are the delicious taste, the typical smell in the kitchen pointing towards Christmas, and the creation of memories with children and grandchildren.

Linzer Cookies – Fruit Filled Butter Cookies

German Butter Cookies

When to start baking the Cookies:

The holiday baking season begins before the First of Advent so that these tasty treats will be ready for consumption on that most anticipated day. The ladies of the house will carefully ration, hide, and monitor the cookies in tin boxes—making sure they last until Christmas. Each week, one new kind of traditional German Christmas cookies is added to the mix. The last enticing offering is called the “Kalte Pracht,” which means “Cold Splendor.” Between light, thin wafers is an irresistible chocolate-, rum-, and coconut-butter spread. I always had to make it the day before Christmas Eve, or else they would never have lasted.

German Spritz Cookies

German Hazelnut Macaroon Recipe

Original Macaroons Recipe

Baking with Children the Traditional German Christmas Cookies

Children are always a big part of the baking process of Traditional German Christmas Cookies. After all, they need to learn the recipes and skills to pass them along to their children. Just as important is knowing, when to make the cookies. Look outside. When the cold winter days get shorter, and the reddish sunset sky paints the perfect holiday backdrop, it is time for Christkind to bake the cookies.

Original German Gingerbread Recipe

German Gingerbread Elisenlebkuchen

German Spekulatius Cookie Recipe

German Marzipan Cookies Bethmaennchen

German Marzipan Potatoes Recipe

Traditional German Springerle Recipe

German Pfeffernuesse Cookies

My children also started to help baking the Christmas cookies at a young age. Since I always made the cookies from scratch—which entails grinding the nuts, shaping the decorations, and using only fresh ingredients—there was a lot to do. My oldest son had the responsibility of peeling, drying, and grinding the almonds. My older daughter was in charge of helping me to shape the cookies while my younger daughter helped to make the icing and sugar flowers. The youngest one made himself responsible for taste-testing the dough. One thing is for sure, my children and grandchildren never want to miss the cookies. My grandson just told me, “Oma, you need to hide them.” Translation: He is coming back and wants to eat some more. His sister agreed.

German Lemon Heart Cookies

Vanilla Horn Cookies

German Cinnamon Star Cookies

How I took over the baking power:

I was always my mother’s assistant when it came to baking Authentic German Christmas Cookies, until one year when I was 14, I had to take over. My mother was ill, and the thought of no cookies on Christmas made everyone else feel sick, too. So, nervously, I accepted the challenge. I mean, helping was one thing but doing it all on my own was another. The cookies, however, turned out so well that I happily inherited the responsibility year after year. The immediate and extended family members approved to the transition of the cookie power. They always enjoyed their fair share of cookies. Every Christmas season, I would try a new recipe. The ones I mastered made it to my binder. Throughout the years, I have collected many recipes. Now I could not be more pleased to share the recipes of German Christmas Cookies with you and your family.

Traditional German Thumbprint Christmas Cookies

German Anise Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Traditional German Oatmeal Cookies

Merry Christmas

I hope you get to try some of these delicious Traditional German Christmas Cookies with your family. And if you have children, put some Christmas music on and get them involved. It will be a great memory for them. And for you, as well. Please share your stories. And I will keep sharing my recipes!

German Recipe Kalter Hund – Heinerle

Orange Liqueur Cookies

Homemade German Rum Balls

Cognac Cookies Recipe

German Nut Corners Recipe

Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns Recipe

It’s the Christmas baking season. Cookies, anyone?

Happiest of holidays! _Oma

35 Favorite Oktoberfest Songs not only in Germany. Listed by Oma!

June 5, 2022/in German Culture, German Traditions, Oktoberfest, Spotlight/by Oma

35 Favorite Oktoberfest Songs!

These 35 favorite Oktoberfest songs will make sure your party is a success. They invite you to dance and sway. Add Oma’s recipes for traditional German Oktoberfest food and the right beer.

Please scroll down, click on the title of the song below and you will be directed to a place to listen in for free.

Music plays a key part in every Oktoberfest celebration. And just like there are different courses in a traditional German meal, so are there various types music during the 16-day event. Each style of music has a special meaning and purpose.

The classics like marches, homeland music, and Oompah music mostly played during the opening of Oktoberfest, the big parade, as well as the “Fruehschoppen,” What is that you say? Oh, it’s the morning-get-together-for-a-drink time, of course.

Later on, comes the dance music, which is a mixture of homeland music, the old music, and cult music. It also includes classic hitsand some of today’s modern music. Always upbeat and usually played in the evening, an orchestra will cater to young and old—playing music that is truly timeless and unquestionably German.

When it’s time for eating and drinking on the long tables and benches under the big tents, you’re sure to hear what I like to call “Jolly Music.” It doesn’t matter if you know the person next to you or not, chances are you’ll soon be locked arm in arm—swaying to the rhythm (“schunkeln”) and singing at the top of your lungs until the whole room is shaking. It’s quite a sight. And sound!

Like most things that are German, everything has structure and purpose. Soon, you’ll be able to recognize the 35 favorite Oktoberfest songs revealed and listed by Oma

#	Song	Artist	Album	Genre
1	Bayerischer Defiliermarsch	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
2	Anneliese	Peter Alexander	Aus Böhmen kommt die Mu..	German Folk
3	Wendelstoiner Schuhplattler	Die Muenchner Blaskapelle	Froehliches Oktoberfest	German Folk
4	Mussinan-Marsch	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
5	Bubi bubi Noch Einmal	Die Kaltensteiner	European Masters	Traditional
			Bayrisch
6	Unter Der Bavaria (Marsch)	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
7	Trompeten Echo	Froehliche Blasmusikanten	200 Jahre Oktoberfest	Rock
8	Toelzer Schuetzenmarsch	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
9	Tiroler Holzhackerbuam	Keferloher Musikanten	200 Jahre Oktoberfest	Rock
10	Auf und Nieder	Zillertaler Schuerzenjaeger	Zum Feiern	German Folk
11	Oktoberfest-Laendler	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
12	Schuetzenliesl	Oktoberfestkapelle Ernst Hanisch	Oktoberfest Souvenir	Traditional
13	Muenchner Kindl-Marsch	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
14	Der Klarinetten-Muckl	Various Artists	Oktoberfest	Regional Music
15	Schneewalzer	Gitty und Erika	Jubilaeumsausgabe 44 Jahre	Traditional
16	Erzherzog Johann Jodler	Helga Reichel	Erzherzog Johann Jodler	Regional Music
		Blasmusik
17	In Muenchen Steht Ein	Bayernkapelle	Auf Zum Oktoberfest	Traditional
	Hofbraeuhaus
18	Alte Kameraden	Luftwaffenmusikkorps 3	Die schoensten Maersche	Traditional
19	Steirerman San Very Good	Das Stoakogier Trio	Tz Oktoberfest Hits	Other
20	Herz-Schmerz Polka	Eddie und Freunde	Oktoberfest	German Folk
21	Wiesseer Watschentanz	Various Artists	Oktoberfest	Traditional
22	Der Klarinetten-Muckl	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik vom	Regional Music
		Musikanten	Muenchner Oktoberfest
23	Zillertaler Hochzeitsmarsch	Zillertaler Schuerzenjaeger	Oktoberfest Hits Disc1	Holiday
24	Muenchner Schuetzenmarsch	Die Keferloher Musikanten	200 Jahre Oktoberfest	Rock
25	Haushamer Plattler	Adi Stahuber	Ein Klingendes Souvenir	German Folk
			aus Bayern
26	Solang der alte Peter	Lustige Musikanten	Ein Prosit der Gemuetlichk…	German Folk
27	Schaefflertanz	Franzl Obermeier und	Oktoberfest	Traditional
		seine Blasmusik
28	Heckenroeschen Polka	Die Rosenholzer	Oktoberfest Munich 2010	German Folk
		Blasmusik
29	Jubel, Trubel, Blasmusik	Tirolerbuam	O’zapft is	Traditional
30	Geliebtes Muenchen	Various Artists	Froehliches Oktoberfest	German Folk
31	Von der Tann	Muenchner Oktoberfest	Blasmusik Vom Muenchner	German Folk
		Musikanten	Oktoberfest
32	Kaiserjaegermarsch	Froehliche Blasmusikanten	Schaetze Der Marschmusik	German Folk
33	Muenchner Kindl Walzer	Die Linzer Buam	Froehliches Oktoberfest	Traditional
34	Echt Bayrisch Polka	Die Muenchner Blaskapelle	Froehliches Oktoberfest	German Folk
35	Liebelei am Isarstrand	Die Linzer Buam	Froehliches Oktoberfest	German Folk

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes.

October 28, 2020/in Festivities, Festivities Spotlight, Thanksgiving/by Oma

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes. Thanksgiving Traditions and Tips you’ll be truly thankful for.

When I arrived in America, twenty-nine years ago, I didn’t know much about Thanksgiving or a meal prepared with traditional Thanksgiving recipes. Long before the days of Google, I looked up the translation of Thanksgiving the old fashion way, and understood it as a “thank you” but didn’t really know much about who gave and who received. I found a comparison to Erntedankfest—a religious harvest celebration in Germany which takes place in October.

Throughout the years, I’ve learned that this special American holiday dates back to 1620 when the Pilgrims from England arrived on the Mayflower and landed on Plymouth Rock—about 40 miles away from Boston, Massachusetts. They met the Wampanoag Indians, and with their help, learned to survive their first cold Winter. A year later, in 1621, the success of the harvest led to a three-day festivity called Thanksgiving, which they celebrated together.

Two hundred years later, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. So, the fourth Thursday in November it is! Lincoln also made the “Big Bird” the main meal for Thanksgiving. And today, the turkey tradition continues all across this great country.

Every year, I cherish Thanksgiving and honor the tradition and true meaning of this very special holiday. It’s really about family and friends coming together to share a meal prepared with traditional Thanksgiving recipes—and appreciating all that they have in their lives. Although it’s not a religious holiday, people are thankful in their prayers, in their words, and in their actions, for the food (the harvest) for which they are about to share. In the end, it doesn’t matter the time or day, what heritage or what culture, all that matters is that we live in the moment—conscious and thankful of our good fortune—surrounded by those we love.

Scroll down to the traditional Thanksgiving recipes.

Oma’s Favorite Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes to celebrate:

Butternut Squash Soup

Pickled Sweet and Sour Butternut Squash

Homemade Corn Bread

Sweet Potatoes with Apples in Maple Syrup

Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey

Green Beans with Mushrooms and Corn

Cinnamon Pears Topped with Cranberry Sauce

Danube Waves Cake

Thanksgiving Cupcakes

Fruit-Filled Shortbread Cookies

Your Thanksgiving planning. It starts now.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you know there’s a lot to do. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the more time you have to enjoy with your family. So, on that note, here are some time-saving tips that are sure to pay dividends when loved ones start filing up around your kitchen.

1. Figure how many guest you will have.

2. Write down which traditional Thanksgiving recipes you want to try and write down the ingredients you’ll need.

3. Make a list and go shopping.

4. Start baking/cooking what can easily be stored ahead of time. Think freezer, refrigerator, and even tin boxes. Some recipes can be completed and stored. Others can be started and brought out at the last minute for quick touch up before serving.

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes Shortcuts.

Having made all my recommendations for the traditional Thanksgiving recipes, I know some are more time consuming and labor intensive than others. Nevertheless, they’re all worth it. Especially when your guests ask for seconds. And you have these secrets up your sleeve.

Green beans with Mushrooms and corn | Complete and freeze. Microwave when ready.

Butternut Squash Soup | Freezes nicely. Just add fresh whipped cream and home-made croutons before serving.

Pickled Sweet & Sour Butternut Squash | Complete ahead of time and refrigerate. The marinade makes it taste even better with time.

Cinnamon Pears Topped with Cranberry Sauce | Refrigerate pears with the water you cooked them in. The cranberry sauce can be kept covered and refrigerated. Or, in a pinch, use canned fruit and prepare on Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Cupcakes | Prepare. Decorate. And freeze. When ready, thaw and serve.

Danube Waves Cake | Freezes and thaws just fine. Just add the final decorations before presentation.

Fruit-Filled Shortbread Cookies | Stores well in a tin box. However, this is a great recipe to make with children. Have them assist you while you share the story of the pilgrims and Indians. Make it a great memory and a yearly tradition.

Turkey Stuffing | If you wish to add turkey liver to your recipe, you won’t be able to get to it until your frozen turkey is thawed. Try store-bought chicken liver and make your stuffing ahead of time and freeze.

If you take advantage of these recommendations, you’ll be way ahead of schedule. All that’s left to do on Thanksgiving is make the sweet potatoes, fix the turkey, and set the table with the good stuff—your fine china and silver. And don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities. In my house, my daughter-in-law cleans the silver and prepares the sweet potatoes, and my oldest son is in charge of the bird. All the other work is divided amongst the family. And as far as I’m concerned, my work is done. With smart planning, I get to enjoy more time with my grandchildren. And for that I’m thankful.

Thanksgiving decoration ideas. Simple but beautiful.

Carved potatoes and apples with tea light candles inside. Click for instructions.

At Oma’s, you always save room for dessert.

Wine is fine. Cider is finer.

I love wine. Especially the reds. However, if you want to mix things up for Thanksgiving, why not offer hard apple cider instead of the traditional white wines that usually accompany poultry. Here are three of my favorites: Woodchuck, Johnny Appleseed, and Cidre by Stella Artois. Most are available locally. Serve cold and enjoy!

BONUS: Click for Oma’s favorite white wines and martzen-style beers for fall and winter.

German After-Dinner Drinks:

Berentzen Apple Corn (serve cold) & Jaegermeister (serve extra chilled)

A Fun Thanksgiving Activity: Create a Matchbox Advent Calendar.

With advent starting on Sunday, November 29th this year (and ending on Thursday, December 24th), Thanksgiving is the perfect time to keep the kids (and some adults) busy with a project they’ll love to hang on the wall. This advent calendar, made from empty matchboxes, is great countdown to Christmas. Click here for instructions.

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Happiest of holidays! _Oma

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Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes. Thanksgiving Traditions and Tips you’ll be truly thankful for.

Scroll down to the traditional Thanksgiving recipes.

Oma’s Favorite Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes to celebrate:

Your Thanksgiving planning. It starts now.

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes Shortcuts.

Thanksgiving decoration ideas. Simple but beautiful.

At Oma’s, you always save room for dessert.

Wine is fine. Cider is finer.

German After-Dinner Drinks:

A Fun Thanksgiving Activity: Create a Matchbox Advent Calendar.

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

With many blessings, your Oma

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