German

Stollen Bread Pudding with Chocolate Chunks and Caramelized Bananas

Stollen makes an easy bread pudding because it comes already filled with currants, almonds, orange zest and cinnamon. Saving time at the bread pudding stage allows more time to lovingly prepare gasp-eliciting accompaniments such as creamy vanilla sauce and caramelized bananas. Visit Germanfood.org for a list of retailers in your area that sell authentic German foods and beverages including Stollen bread.

Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Thanksgiving and Christmas in Canada are wonderful occasions for home bakers to hone their skills. Traditional German Christmas cookies are a fun way to get started, even for people with no baking experience. The recipes are usually fairly simple and straightforward, requiring only pantry staples, a few special seasonal ingredients and cookie cutters. The quintessential Christmas cookie - these crisp, spicy cookies make a perfect snack after a day outdoors. Serve them with big pitchers of mulled wine and hot chocolate.

German-Style Sauerbraten Meatballs

Recipe submitted by Meik Faust, Morinville, Alta; Recipe Tested by Maryalice Wood.

Sauerbraten means “sour roast” and is considered by some to be one of Germany’s national dishes. This spin on the dish calls for frozen meatballs, but you can easily make your own.

Beer Braised Oktoberfest Sausage with Sauerkraut

Submitted by Irene Leung, Port Dover, ON; Recipe tested by Debbie Borthwick

A flavourful twist to the classic sausage on a bun - for adults only!

Leek and Mushroom Strudel

Submitted by Nicole Paara, Toronto, ON

This makes a fantastic accompaniment to any meat dish; alternatively, you could add cooked chicken to the strudel (just reduce the leeks and mushrooms slightly) for a full meal. Serve it with salad and enjoy a full meal in no time.

Cheese Muffins

Dairy Farmers of Canada

These classic muffins are a delicious after-school treat.

Krupso

Food Styling by Claire Stubbs

These little fellows of Finnish descent puff up in the oven just like a Yorkshire pudding. Once they fall, load them up with fresh berries. Alternatively you can make one large krupso in a 9- x 13-inch cake pan.

Grilled Halibut with Lemon-Herb Crust

This favorite is a must-try for your grill this summer.

Sweet Spice Rub

This sweet and savory rub can be used on many different kinds of meat.

Summer Grilled Tomatoes

Try this great dish as a side or appetizer at your next patio dinner.