....and you can see German engineering in looking how far it has come from the skinny wild green bitter stalks to the mild but really meaty white stalks that when you taste them you realize how they have earned their appointment of Queen of Vegetables. 350 years ago asparagus was planted in the court gardens in Schwestingen and through the years through selective breeding and growing techniques, Germany provides the best quality asparagus anywhere.
They have apple festivals, dandelion festivals, strawberry festivals and of course one for asparagus. In the states we look at progress being that day we figured out that we could have asparagus year around with modern distribution methods. In Germany the Asparagus comes on in mid-April and ends June 15.
Most all Spargelfests have an Asparagus peeling contest. Here the Spargel Court has it's own contest in
Shrobenhausen
Every year I try to add a bit more to my repertoire of Asparagus recipes although with the price some times after reading some of the varieties you default to the classic recipes of hollandaise or the always good table of nice Spargels, Schinken and boiled potatoes.
Probably my favorite Spargel picture of all time, Spargel klasischer by my friend Dagmar
that has a traditional Spargel Essen every May 1st.
New Spargel Recipes
If you love salads like we do and have one every day you look for new things to top it with.
I have read about mixing fruit and asparagus and it always sort of thought it was clever but nothing I would go out of my way to try. However, I have become very fond of using shaved, spiralized or shredded vegetables that give a nice crunch with their flavor and you don’t have to fight them with my senior citizen teeth.
This is a simple technique that makes a quick and
even a balanced meal that looks beautiful and every bite is
satisfying much like a pizza.
Asparagus-Banana
This simple one may sound strange but I have read several recipes in books and on the net for this combination. I started with a layer of banana on Rye toast, then asparagus tips and stalks, blanched and cut down the middle then some Emmentaller or Swiss cheese. Then broil it for 5-10 minutes
Asparagus-Avacado
Start with rye toast and spread a layer of cream cheese, then avacado slices, asparagus tips, top with a little chedddar cheese and broil 5-10 minutes.
Asparagus Tomato
Start with rye toast and spread cream cheese then tomato slices that are salt and peppered. thin shaved asparagus strips then broil 5 -10 minutes. Note; It helps to blanch the shaved strips in boiling water for 5 seconds.
Poached Egg and Asparagus Toast
Poach an egg and cook some asparagus spears till just tender, While your doing this toast some nice whole grain bread spread with cream cheese top with spears and the poached egg.
Cookbook Special
A recipe book and short biography of my Grandmother Emma Block. Her recipes, culture and cooking styles that were brought over from Germany. How they evolved when she came to America in the early 1900s and settled in Portland, Oregon on the west coast of the United States. Over 100 recipes
Karin Elliot born and raised in Germany
is a chef and wonderful friend giving me encouragement through the years here and donated her recipes for our newsletter. She also does wonderful volunteer work like providing meals for school children in need in Tuscon, Arizona.
Many German-Americans and German immigrants are interested in Native American items from books and movies to jewelry and arts and craft supplies. Karin will take care of you personally with her online store Native Rainbows
German Music
Klostertaler was an Austrian award winning music group that won many awards, their music I describe like a folk rock. Very pleasant to listen to.
Klostertaler -
Frei Wie A Vogel Im Wind 2004
(Free as a Bird in the Wind)
Klostertaler
Marmolada - live
Marmolada is a mountain in Northern Italy close to Austria,
that is majestic
Klostertaler
Sierra Madre "Live"
This is a very popular song covered by many German musicians.
It is widely sung at the Munich Oktoberfest. The German's love the Sierra Madre mountains
and love to sing this song.