Kartoffelsalat (Hot German Potato Salad)

Cooler temperatures always make me long for "the Old Country".  This time of year the Schweinfurt Marktplatz would be filled with tables heaving their bounty of gourds, dried flowers, pies, and sausages. All of this in preparation for the Christkindlmarkt just a short couple of months away. 

While living in Bavaria one of my favorite Fall recipes was Kartoffelsalat. Unlike American potato salad, it is served warm and blends the succulent tastes of vinegar,sugar, and potatoes.  This is the perfect side dish accompaniment to roasted pork roast, dumplings and sour kraut (recipe to follow later).  Until then, consider this amazing dish for your upcoming holiday season dining table! 

Kartoffelsalat

4 large potatoes- Boiled in their jackets, peeled and sliced 1/8” thick

5 thick slices of bacon- Diced

1 Cup chopped onion

Mix dressing ingredients in measuring cup:

¼ Cup wine vinegar

¼ Cup water

¼ Cup sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 .Fry the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until almost crisp.

2 . Add chopped onion and continue stirring until onion is cooked and turns slightly golden brown.
 
3 . Add mixed dressing ingredients, heat and stir until mixture boils and sugar is dissolved.

4. Add sliced potatoes, mixing everything together well.

5. Season with salt and pepper.


6. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for at least 10 minutes, or until the potatoes have absorbed all the liquid and are heated through. Continue heating and turning the mixture over for another 5 to 10 minutes. May allow to stand for additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend completely.

Guten Essen! 


Pumpkin Cobbler-- For Dad and Kristen

It's Fall...the temperatures are falling (yes, even here in Charleston), and my heart longs for tastes of home.  Fortunately, this wonderful pumpkin cobbler fits the bill in many ways-- it takes less than 10 minutes to get in the oven, it tastes divine, adn it's the perfect dish for those of us who don't like pie crust.  It can also be served warm or cold! 

So, grab a nice warm cup of apple cider, a dish of this cobbler and celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Cobbler
1 lg. can pumpkin pie mix (with the spices and sugar already added.)
4 eggs, beaten
1 can evaporated milk
1 yellow cake mix
1 c. melted butter
2 tbsp. brown sugar (optional)
1/2 c. almonds or walnuts (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pumpkin, eggs, and milk. Pour into greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Sprinkle dry cake mixover top.  Pour melted butter over this. Sprinkle brown sugar and nuts. Bake 1 1/2 hours. Check at 1 hour.