My first Visit to Germany!

The first time I visited Germany was in May 1972. In those days its was West Germany, after the country was divided into West and East after the Second World War.

It never occurred to me at the time but this was still in the period when Europe was re adjusting after the war ended in 1945, just 27 years earlier.

The rebuilding of West Germany had a heavy emphasis on young people and in particular creating excellent sports facilities. It was the sport connection that took me on this first of many visits.

I belonged to a swimming club based in West London and our team was invited to take part in an international sports completion in a small but very modern town called Sennestadt, near Bielefeld.

There were teams from many European countries, and I remember clearly what a fantastic experience it was. Later that year West Germany hosted the Olympic Games so there was a real sense of excitement around the enjoyment of sport.

I made lots of friends during that week, and was lucky enough to go back many times during the following years.

I found some really exciting new food ideas and still enjoy cooking them now

Here’s a fun recipe from Germany for you to try and enjoy.

Wurst mit Kartoffelsalat und Sauerkraut../Sausages with Potato Salad and Sauerkraut.

Though most people think as Sauerkraut, literally “sour cabbage” as being German, it is to be found all over Europe especially in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe. It is readily available very cheaply in the “World Food” sections of large supermarkets or many of the Polish shops in Britain.

In Germany there are hundreds of variety of sausage. But for this recipe the choice is up to you! A typical British “banger”, a specialty from your local butcher or something from further afield. For vegetarians there are plenty of veggie sausages to choose from!

This is great for a meal for the family, something different when friends and family come over, or in the summer as part of a BBQ.

So here we go….. You can easily adjust the amounts for the number of people This serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 sausages per person
• 900gm jar of Sauerkraut
• 20-25 Small New Potatoes
• 1 Large or 2 medium Onions (try Red Onions for colour), finely chopped
• 3 teaspoons of Mustard
• 4 tablespoons of Mayonnaise
• Ground black pepper.

Method

1. Fill a large saucepan with water. Cut potatoes in half and place in the water
2. Bring to the boil for approx 20 minutes, until cooked all through (test with a sharp knife)
3. Cook sausages, either fry, grill or BBQ
4. When the potatoes are cooked drain the water, and cool them under a running tap until cold.
5. In a large serving bowl, add the potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, chopped onions and season with ground black pepper.

The Sauerkraut can be served hot or cold, I prefer it cold….it can be warmed in a saucepan. Serve the hot sausages with the potato salad and a good helping of Sauerkraut try some chopped chives or parsley for a garnish and perhaps a side salad……a tasty meal in less than half an hour ……enjoy!

The story and recipe were supplied by Paolo Piana, Paolo loves travelling and finding new and exciting recipes for tasty, easy to make food. he is the Project Officer with the Multicultural Network in Llanelli, why not visit the web site, www.lmcn.org