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| DINNER STARRING SPAETZLE OR GERMAN EGG DUMPLINGS |
One of the things I like about this group is that I use forgotten gadgets and get things done on my to-do list.
About 10 years ago I found a spaetzle maker in a 1/2 off bin at a going-out-of-business kitchen store. The sale tag is still attached. It is by Norpro and cost me 5 bucks. Years ago we lived close to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country where we loved to visit especially for the good food. Our little children enjoyed spaetzle as a comfort food along the lines of mac 'n cheese. This noodle-dumpling like side is not easily found in the western states, in fact, I'll bet my neighbors have never heard of it.
The recipe for spaetzle is similar to my pillow-like dumplings that I made recently for my chicken and dumpling soup....right down to the nutmeg. My recipe is one that was handed down from my great-grandmother and can be put together in a way similar to today's spaetzle or it can be cooked on the stovetop like cream puff dough, which would be more French, and then added to the broth. Instead of pushing the dough through small holes to make a fun shape, I portion my dumplings out quickly with a spoon.
Each time I make dumplings I think about getting out my spaetzle gadget, which has never been used until today, but it seems like a hassle. My tool looks similar to a flat grater, but with larger holes, and I must say that it makes the cutest little noodle-like dumplings. And it was not a hassle. It was easy as was the clean-up. A gadget that actually works on the first try. Great!
I have my Thanksgiving herbs still growing and looking lovely out in my winter garden so I snipped sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme which came together with their aromatic flavors and beautiful green color to "speckle" my spaetzle and add great flavor.
In keeping with the German-French theme I cooked sausages and added a couple of veges to make a healthier meal and to add color.
I'm sure I'll find lots of great dinner ideas among your posts. We're continuing to enjoy the Holidays as the kiddies are not yet back in school, the decorations are still up, and we continue to enjoy lots of yummy food and treats. Hope you are also enjoying your week. Look forward to seeing all your posts!
I love the story about your great-grandmother's recipe...so special. And I'm happy your success was better than mine ... which was non-existent. )
ReplyDeleteYour spaetzle looks great, without the special spaetzle tool. Funny you ate them at à Dutch restaurant. It's not usual Food around here in Holland.
ReplyDeleteKris, My mother used to make my grandmothers Hungarian dumplings and they were also pretty much the same batter without the nutmeg. She also portioned it out with a spoon. Your spaetzle looks delicious, a perfect accompaniment for your lovely looking meal!!
ReplyDeleteWe live about 3 hours from Langcaster, Pa. One of my favorite places to visit! Love the food!!
Beautiful! This was my first experience with spaetzle. Yours looks perfect. Thanks for sharing the story, too. I imagine the Mennonite communities farther up the Fraser Valley would have a tradition of spaetzle-making, but it's otherwise not that familiar here.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time with spaetzle. I don't know how I've missed out for so long - it was a real treat.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to find a use for a long neglected gadget :-)
Your meal looks great.
What a great meal, Kris! I'm glad you finally got to christen your spaetzle maker...I need to make it more often :)
ReplyDeleteFirst time for my spaetzle maker too. Certainly not the last! It was my first time for eating spaetzle too. I love your German-inspired meal. We just ate the spaetzle as the meal... Looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteYour spaetzle look terrific! I do not have a spaetzle maker, so I am kind of dreading making this next week.
ReplyDeleteNice! Your spaetzle looks perfect. I'll have to go looking for a spaetzle maker now. It was delish!
ReplyDeleteKris, your dinner plate looks absolutely wonderful1 I love that you paired sausages and veggies with your absolutely perfect looking herbed Spätzle! The Spätzle making gadgets do come in very handy when making these soft noodles and I am glad to read that your gadget came in very handy! What a great picture and wonderul post! Hope you and your entire family had a great start to the New Year!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when we find uses to gadgets that have been stored forever? It must have been exciting to see your grandmother's recipe reinterpreted as noodles. Happy New Year, Krissy!
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