Question:
What can I use to make German Quarkkuchen. Any idea what to sub for Quark?
- Heidi, NY |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Heidi,
we get this question quite often. Quark is a dairy product which is extremely popular in central Europe but largely unavailable in North America. When you ask Germans living in America which products from back home they miss the most, Quark is likely to be on most people's short list. As far as supply goes, only a handful of US and Canadian dairies make this product and it is available at select local farmer's market, some specialty stores or through online retailers. Due to the scarcity in supply, home cooks have proven to be quite creative in trying to find substitutes which you can easily find out by typing the word into an online search engine. You will find a huge number of discussion forums which include recipes for homemade quark and suggestions for substitutes, usually involving varying quantities of several other readily available dairy products (such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, buttermilk etc.).
Since the response to some of the other recently posted questions on this page has been quite positive, why not ask other fans of German foods to share their recipes for Quark substitutes?
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Consumer Replies:
Just wanted to let you know that I make up a pretty good substitute for "Quark" - By using a large container (32 oz.) of whole milk plain yogurt which I drain overnight through a piece of paper towel. The next morning I mix it thoroughly with one 8 oz. package of cream cheese. Almost as good as the real thing !
- schnapsi, TN
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Question:
I have a lot of German recipes for delicious cakes for summer, most of these recipes call for gelatin as one of the ingredients. How do I translate "Blatt Gelatine" to a measured amount in English. Please help.
Thank you
- Josie, OR |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Josie,
Gelatin is available in two basic forms, in granules/powder and leaves/sheets.
While in Germany leaf gelatin (thin sheets) are the most commonly used form, small packages of powdered gelatin are much more readily available. Both forms should work equally well, even though some sources state that sheet gelatin produces a clearer gelled product than its granular counterpart. For equivalent amounts the most common formula seems to be that one package/envelope of gelatin powder equals about 4 sheets of leaf gelatin. Both forms of gelatin must be softened in water and melted before use. Just follow the instructions on the package. Frohes Backen! May your cakes come out perfect!
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Question:
Hi I am looking for a recipe that my grandmother made when I was young and lived in Köln Germany. It was a fruit soup that you ate cold. I do not know if it was made from scratch or a packet. I think we called it Obstsuppe. Can you help me Thanks Barbara
- barb, NJ |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Barb,
chilled fruit soups are very popular in Germany and come in many variations. There is a specific type of chilled soup called "Kaltschale" which is a particularly light variety of chilled fruit soup. This refreshing dish is so popular that you can indeed find the product on shelves in most German grocery stores. The packages usually contain a powdered fruit soup base with some chunks of freeze-dried fruit. Berry flavors are most commonly available. Unfortunately, it is largely unavailable in North America. The dish can of course also be made from scratch. Among our recipes for chilled fruit soup are Chilled Black Cherry Soup with Asbach Uralt & Crème Fraîche and Cherry Soup with Cream of Wheat Dumplings. Maybe some other fans of German foods will share their favorite chilled fruit soup recipes.
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Question:
I am looking for a recipe for sour kidneys. If anyone has one would you please share it with me?
Thank you ...
- Spring2008, CA |
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Question:
Does anyone know where to get a true tasting Thueringer Sausage in the Chicago area? I have tried several deli's and many restaurants as well as mail order but cannot find anything that tastes like the real ones I had in Leinefelde (state of Thuringia) and Frankfurt, Germany.
- Sido, IL |
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Question:
I am trying to make a fleischsalat I fell in love with while living in Germany. I know it has pickles, onions, wurst and a white dressing. There are two variations to a wurstsalat that I know of, one with oil and vinegar dressing and the one I am looking for, the white thicker dressing. Could you/somebody please help me with the ingredients, better yet a recipe?
Thanks so much
- Kelly, CA |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Kelly,
our own recipe database in Germany only had variations of Wurstsalat with the vinaigrette-style dressing. We've perused several other German recipe sites and can tell you at least this much: the white dressing you refer to usually contains mayonnaise and/or yogurt (for a lighter version), pickle juice, mustard, salt & pepper; some suggest adding egg yolks from hardboiled eggs to thicken the sauce. Ingredients also vary, the most common seem to be a bologna-type ring sausage, onions (red or yellow), pickles, sometimes cheese.
I would try to experiment using these ingredients. Maybe some other German food fans will share their favorite recipes for Wurstsalat.
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Consumer Replies:
And here the complete recipe once again INCLUDING the translation of the INSTRUCTIONS! :)
Käse-Wurst-Salat
100 g Edam Cheese (Bavarian "Edamer")
100 g Emmental Cheese (Allgäuer "Emmentale")
250 g Meatwurst ("Gelbwurst", or "Fleischwurst")
1 Kosher Dill Pickle (Gewürzgurke)
1 Apple
1 small can Corn
ca. 2 TBSP Parsley and Chives, chopped
4 EL Mayonnaise oder Yogurt-Saladcreme (usually a mix of about half and half yogurt and creme fraiche or a light/creamed salad dressing)
2 EL Oil
1 TL Mustard
1 Onion, chopped
1 clove of Garlic, crushed
Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, Paprika
Cut cheese and meat according to preference (chunks, sticks, cubes...). Chop cucumber and apple very fine. For the dressing mix the mayonnaise and oil with mustard, add the onion and garlic and then add spices to taste.
- Matrxlady, PA
Just take some ham and cut it into little slivers, the same with dill pickles and then add mayonnaise and mix it all together. Refrigerate for an hour and enjoy.
- Waltraud1, CA
Josch's Wurstsalat
(sufficient for 6 people or 4 very hungry folks)
1 Loop of Bologna (or even better Shaller & Webber "Fleischwurst" or "Gelbwurst" or similar)
2 thick stems of Leeks
1 small red pepper
3 Kosher dill pickles or other crunchy pickles
1 medium sized onion
4-5 Tbsp yogurt
4-5 Tbsp salad dressing (or "Salatcreme" - a good source is ALDI)
Sunflower oil
Vinegar
Lime or lemon juice
Salt/pepper (freshly ground, use a pepper mill)
2-3 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp mustard
So geht´s:
Mix yogurt, salad dressing, oil (ca. 2 Tbsp), vinegar and citrus juice (a good "shot"/swig of each) and mustard very well. Press garlic into it through a garlic press (or crush with the Salt) and season to taste with salt and pepper. (A shot of pickle juice can be added at this point if desired)
Peel onions and cut in half (with the cut centered between the root tip and top of the bulb), then cut into thin slices. Cut pepper into 3-4 pieces and cut thick strips, then cut the leeks into fine disks. Cube the pickles (small pieces!) and add all prepared ingredients into the salad dressing. At first it's going to look like there isn't enough, but it will work!
Cut the meat into slices and add to the mix. Let salad sit covered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (best is over night).
The original (in German) can be found here: http://www.hausfrauenseite.de/rezepte/salat/wurstsalat.html
- Matrxlady, PA
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Question:
Hi, I am visiting north Germany in mid August. What fresh fruit will be available and do they still have pick-your-own farms. I used to go with my grandma near Stade, and I want to take my kids on a nostalgic cherry picking trip.
Regards,
- Martin |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Martin,
various berries (esp. blackberries) and plums are in high season in Germany during the month of August. Cherries and currants (black, red, white) should also still be available and you might even be lucky enough to find some early pear trees. This is a wonderful time to go to Germany and you should have no problem finding farms and orchards which will allow you and your family pick your own fruit. Enjoy!
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Question:
Hi, 5 of my friends will be in NYC 12/06/08 until 12/11/08 and would love to find some markets. We have done the Christmas Markets in Germany many times but have decided with the Euro being what it is we would stay in the States. Hopefully there will be some in NYC at that time.
Thank you for any information.
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GermanFoods replies:
Some of the Christmas markets list the dates fairly late. Keep checking our list of Christmas market which we update as soon as we get the 2008 information. We know of at least one market at Columbus Circle, Manhattan, which will be open from November 29th through December 24th.
You can find more information about this Christmas market on the German Delights website.
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Consumer Replies:
I'm reading a magazine called "German LIFE" in which you can find many of the Christkindl markets all over the USA advertised.
- schatzie, colorado
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Question:
When I was young my grandmother made a soup called liver dumpling soup. I am looking for the recipe?
- frank, ny |
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Consumer Replies:
I found the following recipe for liver dumpling soup in one of my cookbooks. I too have fond memories of this soup and have always enjoyed it.
BAVARIAN LIVER DUMPLING SOUP
2 slices calf or beef liver (~ 1/4 pound)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon soft butter or margarine
1 teaspoon finely minced parsley
1-2 teaspoons finely minced onion
2 slices dry bread
1/2 cup flour, approx.
Meat Stock
Place liver on chopping board and scrape to separate connective tissue. Combine with salt, egg, softened butter, chopped parsley, onion and bread which has been softened in hot water and squeezed dry. Beat well to blend. Add flour to make a medium-stiff dough. Drop from a teaspoon into gently boiling meat stock. Cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes, depending on size of dumplings. Serve at once. Makes 14-16 dumplings.
NOTE: Avoid having mixture too thick. Test by dropping one dumpling into hot stock. If it does not hold together, add a little more flour. Serve liver dumplings in clear beef broth.
(I would think that running the liver through a meat grinder instead of scraping by hand would be just fine)
(Recipe from Mader's German Restaurant, Milwaukee. Owner Vic Mader. Published in 'Best of the Best from Wisconsin' Cookbook.).
- Sonshine, WI
Sounds like what my mother made, except, she always soaked the bread in milk, bit water and put the liver through her old meat grinder.
- from Cincinnati
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Question:
My family has been making Springerle cookies at Christmas time for a couple of generations. Where can we buy German carved flat boards that are NOT rolling pins?
- Mary Lou, Minnesota |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Mary Lou,
The easiest way to find Springerle cookie molds is to search for them online. As you will see there are a number of vendors who specialize in handcarved cookie molds. Some vendors explicitly state which of their Springerle molds are actually made in Germany.
The Springerle Baker is a great website for all things Springerle.
I hope this helps you in your quest for finding the right cookie molds for your Springerle cookies and that come Christmas the fragrant anise aroma and beautiful designs of these German specialties will make your holidays that much more special.
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Question:
Are there any deli's or bakeries in NJ or NY that sell soft German pretzel bread?
- vrirene, NJ |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Irene,
unfortunately, we don't have a separate category for delis and bakeries (yet). However, we would like to encourage you to browse our database of stores which carry German foods and beverages. You can search by state or by entering your ZIP code. You will find that there are several delis among the NJ and NY entries. You may also want to check this page again soon to see whether fellow fans of German foods have the information you are looking for.
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Question:
Hi, I am looking for a recipe that has fried potatoes with fried onions. Then bread dumplings are added. It is then served in a bowl with canned plums on it.
- Lori, WI |
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Question:
1. Is there a German butcher shop near Milford NH
2. Where can I buy pork that is cut like they do in Germany to make a grilled pork steak (on Brötchen) like they serve at wine and beer festivals in Germany?
3. How can I describe this type of pork cutlet to my butcher, and where can I get seasonings for it?
- Tom, NH |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Tom,
as far as your quest to find a German butcher shop in your area, unfortunately, we won't be of much help because our goal is to promote foods and beverages actually made in Germany, rather than "German-style" foods produced here. However, this is one of those questions where other fans of Germanfoods might be able to help you out.
As far as the grilled pork steak which you remember so fondly from your time in Germany, we can indeed help you. That very popular meat cut is called "Schweinenackensteak" (or simply "Nackensteak") which translates as pork neck steak. The name already implies the answer to your question: the cut is taken from the neck area which provides perfectly marbled, very flavorful meat. Many people who are used to lean pork loin which often ends up fairly dry, tasting this great pork cut fresh off the grill can be a culinary revelation. Due to the marbling the meat bastes itself during the grilling process which results in a wonderfully juicy and flavorful piece of pork. You may have to tell your local butcher to reserve and cut that part of the pig for you. Since this is a meat cut which is not commonly demanded and valued by consumers in North America, you may even be able to get the pork steaks at a good price.
As far as seasoning is concerned, that really is up to your taste. The pork neck steaks are a naturally flavorful cut of meat and might just need a sprinkling of salt and pepper or your favorite rub. Another popular way of preparing these pork steaks is marinating the meat for some hours prior grilling it. For inspiration you may try our recipe suggestion for marinated pork neck steaks. Enjoy! Or as we say in Germany: Guten Appetit!
(See also question by dreamcatcher1368)
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Question:
Could you please recommend a good brand vinegar here for German potato salad? I cannot find the "Hengstenberg" brand. Is there one close to it in taste? Thank you!
- Liliane, CA 94583 |
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GermanFoods replies:
Other authentically German brands of vinegar available in the US and Canada are "Kühne" and "Gundelsheim". If you are unable to find these vinegars at your local stores, you may want to consider buying the products online.
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Consumer Replies:
There are some very good resources listed here for online outlets. I use one of them all the time.
My Mom uses only Heinz Red Wine Vinegar which is readily available in most markets for her German Potato Salad. Another of her secrets to GREAT potato salad is to use the Yukon Gold type of potatoes. They are very close to the German yellow potato!!
- monheim2, NC
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Question:
Hello! I am looking for German pressure cooker recipes for my WMF pressure cooker. Can be in English or German. Thank you.
- dackel, New York |
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Consumer Replies:
You will find many German language Schnellkochtopf recipes with this link. The newsletter always has other new recipes and lots of reader input. http://www.chefkoch.de/rs/s0/Schnellkochtopf/Rezepte.html
- Silmon, TX
Here is the perfect site for you:
http://www.schnellkochtopf-rezept.de/
- MickySt, Florida
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Question:
For years I have been buying Warsteiner beer at the local Safeway store in the Belle View Shopping Mall of the Mount Vernon District of Virginia. Suddenly they have stopped stocking that beer. Are you aware of this and are you trying to get Warsteiner been resupplied to Safeway stores? Where else can I buy it, retail?
- DocRick, Virginia 22307 |
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GermanFoods replies:
As an organization we do not endorse any particular German brands nor can we directly influence decisions made by retailers to carry certain products. What we can provide is information about the German companies and/or the importers and distributors which supply retail outlets with products from Germany.
In case of Warsteiner, the brewery has an Importers Agency based in Cincinnati, OH and a website for the US market (www.warsteiner-usa.com) which can be directly contacted to inquire about local distribution. In additions we recommend checking with other supermarkets and specialty food retailers in your area. Since our office is located in Northern Virginia, we know that this German beer is widely available in the area, from independent specialty food stores to national chains such as World Market.
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Question:
When we lived in Germany (Rheinland-Pfalz area) we had something called "schrankbraten" (spelling could be wrong). We could only get it in the summer. It was a marinated pork that you grilled slowly. I would love to have a recipe for this. I do miss it and the family loved it.
- dreamcatcher1368, mo |
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GermanFoods replies:
We believe the dish you are looking for is "Schwenkbraten" (=swing roast), or short "Schwenker", which is really popular throughout Germany, even though the name is specific to the Southern part of Rhineland-Palatinate and the state of Saarland (particularly the Hunsrück mountain region). The name is derived from the type of grill which is used for this very popular barbecue dish: a tall tripod construction with a large grill suspended above a pit fire. The real secret to the amazing flavor you and your family remember lies in the cut of meat, though. The preferred cut is a steak-style cut of pork neck which is a naturally marbled and flavorful piece of meat. The cutlet is usually about 1 inch thick, about palm size (or larger) and weighs about 1/2 pound. In Germany the cut is called Nackensteak or Nackenkotelett and weighs between 100-300 grams. The meat is often marinated with some oil, onions, garlic and herbs and spices according to one's taste. For more information see also our answer to Tom's question and our recipe suggestion.
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Question:
What is Schorle and how do you make it?
- Elisa, PA |
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GermanFoods replies:
Schorle is the name of an extremely popular juice and sparkling water combination. In Germany these fruit spritzers are available in every restaurant, café or bar and are even sold premixed.
Schorle is really easy to make and hard to get wrong. All you need is sparkling mineral water and your favorite juice (apple, grape and orange juices are frequently used in Germany). The ratio is a contested subject and there are different schools (half and half is very common, but there also are the 1/3 juice-2/3 water and the 1/3 water-2/3 juice schools; some Schorle fans might even have more complicated ratios). In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. So just start experimenting and find the mix that best suits your taste. Schorle is especially refreshing served chilled during hte summer months. Just place your favorite juice and mineral water in the refrigerator for some hours and enjoy!
An important note on Germany’s sparkling mineral water is that it is not merely purified drinking water with added carbonation but usually comes from mineral springs all across Germany's famous mountain ranges. Consequently, these waters are high in essential minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium which are especially important for re-hydration during the hot summer months.
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Consumer Replies:
Schorle is not only made with fruit juices, but also with wine.
- Ingrid, Tx
Schorle are also often made with wine in the wine growing southwestern part of Germany. Weissweinschorle are made with white wine and Rotweinschorle are made with red wine. Every restaurant and cafe offers them, and they are especially popular in summer. Just add sparkling water to any decent table wine to taste.
- Cassandra, NM
Second Answer for Elisa, PA regarding her "Schorle"question:
There exist another type of
Schorle in Germany, the Wine Schorle which is made either of Red Wine or White Wine plus sparkling Water, parts: 50 : 50. But do NOT use cheap wine for that nice and refreshing "afternoon" - drink, rather than a very good medium quality wine. You also can use a heavy sweet wine for a "suesse Schorle" or a very "stiff"(dry) white wine for a "saure Schorle". Regards, Franzi from Bavaria.
- Franzi, DC
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Question:
What is Quark, an ingredient in "Almond Waffles with Raspberry cream"?
Melanie
- Melanie |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Melanie,
Quark literally translates as “curd”. It is a low-fat curd cheese made from skim milk and soured with a lactic starter. It is available in a range of fat levels starting with practically no fat or low-fat, which is called Magerquark up to 40 percent fat. Low-fat versions have a milky-white color whereas as Quark with a higher fat content is a light, dairy yellow. It is very popular in Germany and Germans eat more than 17 lbs per person per year. It is eaten plain on its own or with herbs, nuts, and garlic to make it savory or with fruit or jam to make it into a dessert or fruit spread. It is used in many German dishes such as soufflés, dressings, sauces, toppings, stuffing and dips and is the secret behind the wonderful texture and flavor of German cheese cake.
As far as the availability of Quark in North America is concerned, the supply is extremely scarce. Only a handful of dairies produce this dairy product and make it available in specialty stores or through online retailers. Consequently, online search engines come up with a myriad of discussion forums which include recipes for homemade quark and suggestions for substitutes, usually involving varying quantities of several other readily available dairy products (such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, buttermilk etc.).
If you have come up with a recipe that comes close to the real thing, why not share it with us and other fans of German foods?
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Question:
Your store and restaurant finders don't display any listings for my local area but I know where to get German products and I know of a great German restaurant and a German bakery/deli nearby. How can I get that information on your list?
- Becky G., KS |
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GermanFoods replies:
We are more than happy to add your suggestions to our database. Tell us where you go to buy German foods and beverages - local supermarkets, delis, bakeries or restaurants which specialize in German foods. We also list German events such as Oktoberfest celebrations or Christmas markets free of charge on our site. Please send us details and we will update our records accordingly.
Thanks for sharing!
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Question:
Dear Germanfoods.org,
At a recent charity event in New York I received a gift bag filled with gourmet foods from around the world. My favorite product were these delicious truffle bars from Germany. I've kept a wrapper and know that they are called "Amadeus" bars by a company by the name of Reber. I would like to order these delicious treats to give away as gifts to some of my friends who are also fans of German foods, especially chocolate products :-)
Can you help me locate the company and how to order the product?
- Ricky, NY |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Ricky,
Reber products are imported through the company Niche in NJ. They have a website where you can order their products.
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Consumer Replies:
I love these bars! In Massachusetts, you can find them at Cardullo's in Harvard Square.
- CM, MA
I also love the bars and here in Chicago I can get them at World Market. They have a lot of great German Food.
- Terryschatzi, Illinois
I believe you can also order them online [url:http://www.germandeli.com/reber1.html][/url][lktxt]here[/lktxt] at German Deli. They have an order minimum, however, but you might also be able to find some other items you've been looking for. Or maybe if you would like to try something new, this may be just the place for you.
- Matrxlady, PA
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Question:
I am trying to find the beer I was drinking when I was stationed in Germany by the name of Binding Bier, do you know of anyone in the U.S. who imports this beer?
What's the next great German Beer imported here in the states? I've been back since 81' and these American beers are still not making it for me.
- Big Jeff, IL |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Big Jeff,
We asked directly at the Binding Headquarters and they said that, unfortunately, Binding Lager is currently not exported to the US.
Here are some similar genuine German beers that are sold in the USA/Canada
Becks, St.Pauli Girl, Bitburger, DAB, Diebels, Erdinger, Paulaner, Spaten, Löwenbräu, Warsteiner
You should be able to find most of these beers at well-stocked local supermarkets or specialty food stores.
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Question:
I am of German and Polish ancestry and have traveled to Europe several times. I love German food and am especially fond of German whole grain bread, especially the one with sunflower seeds in it. I used to be able to buy it at my local grocery store but they stopped carrying it. I have been looking ever since but I haven't been able to find it again.
Please help me find where I can purchase German whole grain bread locally or online.
- CEwers, Oregon |
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GermanFoods replies:
Dear Claudia,
There are several brands of German whole grain breads available in the US, Mestemacher being the brand most widely distributed. To find a store that sells it in Oregon you can either visit our "Find a Store" page to locate a specialty store near you that may carry it or find an e-tailer in our "Buy online" section.
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Question:
Being a German, I must have Kühne Sauerkraut. We were able to buy it at Sam's in Pleasantville, NJ and also Shop Rite in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Now we've been told it's been discontinued. Where can we purchase this wonderful kraut in South Jersey? Please help.
- Frieda, NJ |
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GermanFoods replies:
Contrary to what you have heard, Kühne Sauekraut has not been discontinued! To find a store that sells it in New Jersey you can either call the importer Stockmeyer (973-628-7330) or visit our "Find a Store" page or our "German foods on the web" page.
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Consumer Replies:
If you have a World Market nearby you will be able to find your sauerkraut there, also delicious red cabbage which comes in a glass. Also, if all else fails, you can get throuth the internet, at germandeli.com
- schatzie, colorado
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