On The Coast's Urban Foodie talks German food

Cooler weather calls for comfort food, and what could be more comforting than some schnitzel, and strudel and sptzle noodles?

German food and drink is rising in popularity, says On The Coast's Urban Foodie Anya Levykh. She says events like Harvest Haus, which kicks off this week, is proof of that.

"I think the original Vancouver Christmas Market, which takes place in Queen Elizabeth Plaza, right across the street from us, is largely responsible [for the popularity of German food]," she said. "That market started five years ago, and has only grown in popularity, and due to that, events like Harvest Haus have sprung up."

Harvest Haus is very similar to Oktoberfest and celebrates harvest time and the making of beer. It runs from October 111.

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Harvest Haus first launched last year as a couple days of German beer tastings and events, but has expanded considerably this year. Expect no shortage of foods like pork hock, bratwurst, raclette stube, German cakes, pretzels, gingerbread, and of course, beer.

This week's recipe: Ksesptzle (German mac & cheese) from Bauhaus Restaurant

Serves four

Sptzle dough

• 3 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• cup water
• cup milk

Mix all five ingredients, beat with a wooden spoon adding air into the dough. Bring 2 litres of water to a boil in a large pot. Season water with salt. Press the dough through a potatoes ricer into the pot into the boiling water. Boil for one minute, then take sptzle out of the water and set aside.

Seasoning

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 tsp. fresh marjoram leaves, chopped (or tsp. dried marjoram)
• 1 bay leaf
• Pinch pepper
• Pinch salt
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• cup (2 oz.) grated Gruyere cheese
• cup (2 oz.) grated Emmental
• cup (2 oz.) Gouda

Melt butter in pot add onions and marjoram, bay leaf and pepper and salt to taste. Cook down for 10 minutes.

In an iron pot, layer spatzle, onion mixture and cheese. Layer until it reaches the top of the pot. Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

To hear the full story, click the audio labelled:Guten tag, foodies! German food becoming popular in Vancouver