Recipes from the Rhineland

Himmel und Erde (Himmel un Äad)

Literally translated, this dish means "Heaven and Earth." The name is derived from the 18th century word Erdapfel (earth apples) for potatoes.

Reibekuchen

Literally translated as "grated cakes" these potato pancakes are also known as Kartoffelpuffer and in the Rhineland they are also known as Rievekooche.

Rheinischer Döbbekooche (Döppekooche)

A potato cake that was once only eaten by the poor particularly around St Martin's Day in place of the traditional and more costly goose.

Rhineland Sauerbraten with Altbier (Rheinischer Sauerbraten)

Rhineland Sauerbraten is generally sweeter and contains raisins and gingerbread, and is traditionally served with dumplings, boiled potatoes or noodles.

Pfälzer Spundekäs

Originally from Mainz, this combination of cream cheese, quark and sour cream is a very typical spread in Rheinhessen and Rheingau.

Westphalian Smoked Ham (Westfälischer Schinken)

This gently flavored ham is smoked over juniper wood and left to mature for several weeks.