Oktoberfest the South Texas Way!

Oktoberfest kicked off in Germany over the weekend. Just because the real Bavarian bash is thousands of miles away, doesn’t mean we don’t have Texas ties to this annual celebration!

There are a number of upcoming events in and around the San Antonio area to mark down on your calendars. Fredericksburg, TX is also a goldmine for German influence and heritage. In fact, it’s home to one of the best Bed & Brew’s in the state:

OctoBeer Feast

Oct. 3-5

@ Boardwalk on Bulverde

boardwalkonbulverde.com

Oktoberfest Fredericksburg

Oct. 3-5

MarktPlatz, 100 W. Main, Fredericksburg, Texas

oktoberfestinfbg.com

Wurstfest

Nov. 7-16

Wurstfest Grounds, 120 Landa St., New Braunfels, Texas

wurstfest.com

Chowing down on cultural cuisine can also work just as well at home. Try adding a touch of the German culture to dinner this week with these festive creations, including a brand new family recipe for Kartoffelsalat (potato salad):

We also have this fabulous recipe from Zinc Bistro, Diane’s Potato Salad, made with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Applewood Smoked Bacon and served warm. It’s long been one of my favorites…

Things don’t get any more traditional than Braised Red Cabbage (“Rotkohl”) with Bratwurst. This tasty dish screams autumn and Oktoberfest. Seasoned red cabbage and chopped Granny Smith apples make for a welcoming bed for the grilled bratwurst.

We like to think of the Reuben as the unofficial, official sandwich of Oktoberfest. Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and pastrami piled high on two sturdy pieces of Rye. This recipe comes from the world-famous Katz’s Deli — originally established 1888 in Lower Manhattan!

Another suggestion for dining this autumn is this brined Pork Roast (“Schweinebraten”) stuffed with bacon and Black Mission figs…fruity, soft, salty and smoky:

Jazz up your selection of sides with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with walnuts and candied oranges…a very easy recipe that takes 20-25 minutes tops!

Feast on these Farmers Cheese and Peach Kolaches from the Little Gretel Restaurant in Boerne, TX, serving authentic Czech and German dishes year-round. Oktoberfest is a treat with these delicious delicacies!