Prost!

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Guys, just because Octoberfest is cancelled, there’s no reason why you can’t still be part of this annual German tradition. Time to break out the lederhosen and dirndls and host your own Oktoberfest party at home! Set up a beer tent in your garden, hang a few blue and white banners, stock up on German beers and serve pretzels, sausages like bratwurst or knackwurst, eisbein, roast chicken, potato salad or sauerkraut. It’s not a party without the perfect playlist. Add some authenticity to the mix by playing Ein Prosit to get everyone in a happy mood… To end your shindig on a sweet note, we suggest you whip up a batch of apple strudel. Wunderbar!

Chef Johan Engelbrecht’s Apple Strudel

Serves 6

You’ll need:

  • 125g flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 70g water
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 3 apples
  • 40g sugar
  • 60g finely grounded rusk crumbs
  • 2 pinches of cinnamon
  • 25g almond flakes
  • 25g raisins
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 50g melted butter
  • Powder sugar for sprinkling

How to:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

Sift flour in a bowl and beat together with salt, water and the oil. Form a ball with the dough mixture, wrap with cling film and prove for two hours.

Peel the apple and cut into small pieces. Combine with the remaining ingredients.

Put the strudel dough on a floured surface and roll out thinly Then place it on a kitchen towel and pull it even

thinner. Then brush the dough with melted butter. Place the filling onto the lower third of the dough, fold

in the sides and roll tightly by using the towel. Place the dough onto the baking tray and brush the top of the strudel with melted butter.

Bake in the oven for 35 minutes and brush 2-3 times with melted butter while baking

Sprinkle with powder sugar before serving.

Recipe courtesy of SA Country Life.

Need some Oktoberfest inspiration? Herewith a few tips to get you started.

  • As with any themed party, costumes are always recommended. In this case, German costumes are encouraged. That would mean lederhosen for men and a dirndl for women.
  • When the guests arrive, welcome them with German titles like ‘Herr’ for the men and ‘Fraulein’ for the women (‘Frau’ if they’re married).
  • Set out long tables and beer garden-style benches and string fairy lights overhead.
  • A white and blue checkered pattern is quite common throughout the festival, so consider using that pattern on your tablecloths, party napkins, streamers and other décor.
  • Keep appetizers simple—a bowl of pretzels is both authentic and easy.
  • Remember, Oktoberfest etiquette dictates that you never drink with two hands, so mind your manners.
  • Roast pork and rotisserie chicken pair nicely with homemade potato salad (or potato dumplings if you’re feeling ambitious). Sausages are also in high demand and include anything from bratwurst to frankfurters. Try sweet mustard with the sausages as the Bavarians do.
  • As the party is getting started, ease guests into the spirit of the festival with Ein Prost, inviting guests to (attempt to) sing along.  From there, mix and match German songs with whatever you and your crowd like best.

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