Grab Oma's cookbooks! | Don't miss Oma's Newsletter | Make Oma's favorite recipe
➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson
This proverb from the Rhineland-Palatinate region refers to its pigs.
And the pig is the star of the region's national dish, Saumagen" or, literally, "stuffed pig stomach". The well-cleaned pig's stomach is stuffed with a mixture of potatoes, lean pork, sausage meat, garlic, and onions. It is then seasoned with marjoram, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Boiled, sliced, and fried, the slices are served with mashed potatoes and the ever popular sauerkraut.
Rhineland-Palatinate (Rhineland-Pfalz) is located in the southwestern part of Germany, bordering on Hessen, Saarland, BadenWürttemberg, and North Rhine Westphalia. The main rivers that transverse this state are the Rhine and the Mosel. Where they meet, lies one of the oldest German cities, Koblenz, in what is called the Deutsches Eck (German corner).
Rhineland-Palatinate is a land of castles and fortresses reminiscent of its 2,000-year history of various occupying forces. These each left an imprint on the culture of this state. For example, Germany's oldest town, Trier (originally Augusta Treverorum), dating back to 15 B.C., with its old Roman structures, is located here on the Mosel River. AND it was the Romans who brought wine-growing to this area.
Another old town is Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz is famous for its Meenzer Fassenacht carnival ("Karneval" or Fasching) that starts 52 days before Easter and lasts for one week, with the 7-km long parade taking place on Rosenmontag, the Monday before Ash Wednesday.
Visiting this area? The must-sees are Cochem Castle, a 1000-yearold castle on the Mosel and the Eltz Castle near Wierschem, especially for those interested in knights and medieval times. A cruise down the Rhine is also a must - there are castles at every bend in the river!
This delectable sheet-pan Plum Streusel Cake was sent in by Isabelle Tonti and is so reminiscent of the wonderful plum cakes from this area. Do check it out here and be transported back to your Oma's kitchen!
Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.
I pop in all the time as well, to chat and to answer questions.
Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.
These roasted Brussels spouts with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup are so quick and easy to prepare, yet so delicious! This may just be your new favorite go-to recipe for roasted FROZEN Brussels spro…
Love German cabbage rolls? You'll absolutely love Oma's unstuffed cabbage roll casserole. Same great taste, but a LOT less work. No rice or tomatoes here. Just real German goodness.
THE German Krapfen or jelly donut recipe you'll need if you plan to make Berliner Pfannkuchen ~ that traditional treat for New Year's and throughout the year!
* * * * *
Words to the Wise
"Discipline your children, and they will give your peace of mind and will make your heart glad."
Proverbs 29:17 NLT