Hello everyone!
I hope this message finds you well! I'm still currently in the heart of Munich, where Oktoberfest is in full swing. The atmosphere here is electric, and it got me thinking—why not bring a taste of Oktoberfest to our homes, wherever we may be? So, I've put together a little guide to help you create your very own DIY Oktoberfest experience, even if you don't have traditional Trachten, like Lederhosen or a dirndl!
*I took this photo last year, I didn’t have my Dirndl so I used and old dress and cut it (you can see the fringes😂)
What to Eat: Delicious Oktoberfest-Inspired Recipes! No Oktoberfest is complete without hearty German cuisine. Here are a couple of recipes to get your taste buds dancing:
🥪Brotzeit Teller: Get yourself an assortment of lunch meats, cheeses, and veggies and make a lovely Brotzeit Teller.
(*Liverwurst, Gelbwurst & Emmentaler cheese - these are all items I was able to find in Austin )
🥨Brezels & Rolls: A lot of grocery stores have decent bread rolls now and you can also find Brezels in the frozen food isle, all you have to bake them. Or go to your local German bakery to grab some. Of course if you have taken my classes you can make your own :) Ask your kids they might know how.
🧀Obatzer: A bavarian Specialty! Here is my personal recipe. All oyu do is oyu mix it together either by letting it come to room temp and smashing it with a fork, or throw the ingredients in a food processor and blend. Serve on a platter and eat it with a Pretzel. (It does not get more Bavarian than that!)
🥔Potato Salad: My favorite Potato salad is made with Mayonaise and there are many debates on which potato salad is better (Vinegar- versus Mayo) Here is my version.
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. (Do not overcook, they still need to stay together) Set aside and cool.
In a small bowl mix mayonnaise,2 pickles diced finely, and 1 Tbsp of diced yellow onion. Mix and salt, and pepper to taste.
🌭Sausages: Of course sausages are classic German Cuisine, so grab some Bratwuerste and serve them with a variety of mustards.
What to Drink: It’s not all beer! The classic German drinks are just as important as the food to set the mood. Here are some classics:
Radler: This is typical and very refreshing. Basically, it is 1/2 Sprite (in Germany we have something like Sprite called Limonade) and 1/2 Lager.
Beer: Right now is a great time to head to your grocery store and find all the Oktoberfest beers they sell and get yourself some, if you drink beer. Oktoberfest beer is different and especially brewed for this time. It is NOT the same repackaged. Try it and let me know what you think.
Weinschorle: This is 1/2 white wine and 1/2 sparkling water. It is super refreshing and served in either a pint glass or a large Wine glass.
Apfelschorle: My favorite mixture is 1/2 apple juice and 1/2 sparkling water. It cuts the sweetness and is really lovely when you are thirsty.
Sparkling Water: Germans love their sparkling water! When I grew up we basically never drank still water. EVER! Ask any German born around the ’70s, it really wasn’t a thing!
How to Decorate: Bring Oktoberfest to Your Home Transform your space into a mini beer garden with these simple decoration ideas:
Bavarian Colors: Use blue and white tablecloths, or napkins or decorations to mimic the Bavarian flag.
Beer Steins: If you have them, display beer steins or mugs for an authentic touch.
Bavarian Banners: Hang some Bavarian-style banners or posters to set the mood.
Wooden Boards: Using wooden boards to serve your food gives it that classic Bavarian vibe as well.
Festive flowers: I like to bring in some flowers that remind me of Bavaria, like Chamomile or sunflowers, mixed with some grasses. Just give a country vibe.
DIY Oktoberfest Signage: Get creative and craft your own Oktoberfest signs or banners.
Remember, it's all about the spirit of Oktoberfest, no matter where you are. So, invite your friends (virtually if needed), turn up some traditional German music, and prost (cheers) to good times and great memories!
I'd love to hear how your DIY Oktoberfest turns out. Feel free to share your pictures and stories—I'll be raising a glass to you from Munich!
Prost,
Chef Pascal