While the temperatures here in Texas still feel more like summer, the arrival of October signaled the official start of the fall season. Fall is the perfect time for some comforting home-cooked recipes and here are three of my favorites from home.
1. German Buttermilk Pancake’s
This recipe is not only perfect for fall but also whenever you want to impress your roomies with real German pancakes. And no, I’m not talking about the version made on a baking sheet in the oven! Growing up in Germany, I’ve never seen pancakes made this way and can confidently assure you that this isn’t the kind of pancake you’ll get if you ever order them in Germany. Instead, German pancakes are like the American ones but are typically thinner and bigger; imagine a mix between French crepes and American pancakes so to speak. Here is a typical recipe that is perfect for breakfast or lunch:
Ingredients: 2 cups Buttermilk, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 eggs and a pinch of salt
Preparation: Beat the eggs and add the remaining ingredients. Depending on whether you like them sweet you can add some sugar. Heat some oil in a large frying pan and put a ladle of batter in the pan. Turn the pancake as soon as it sets and repeat with the rest of the batter. Serve with applesauce and sugar. To achieve a more fall-inspired dish add some cinnamon to the applesauce or sugar.
If you’re not in the mood to wash up a lot of dishes after you’re finished cooking, then this recipe is for you. Quickly made and with some hidden veggies, this is the perfect dish for busy college students.
Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 garlic clove, 3 1/4 cups of fresh spinach or 2 cups frozen spinach, 2 cups of pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp cream cheese 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, italian seasoning, chili, and basil leaves
Preparation: First peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Then cut the basil a little smaller and the fresh spinach too. Now put all ingredients in a large pot, pour vegetable broth, and cook the pasta in it until done. If necessary, add more liquid. Season to taste and serve.
3. Flammkuchen or Tarte Flambee
This pizza-style meal is a classic German fall recipe and as the favorite dish from my roommate Addie, I of course had to include it. Unlike American-style pizza, this one has a very thin crust, and the typical toppings include sour cream, onions, and bacon bits. Many other topping variants are possible though, and if you want to feel fancy you can add goat cheese, honey, and rosemary. My favorite toppings include spring onions and some cheese. Here is a modified version of the classic recipe that makes one small Flammkuchen:
Ingredients:
For the dough: 1 Tbsp Oil, 1/4 cup water, a pinch of salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the toppings: 1 onion, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup bacon bits, salt and pepper to season
Preparation: Mix the ingredients for the dough and add a bit more water if needed. Knead the dough and then roll it out very thinly. (Tip: If you don’t have a rolling pin, try using a glass or cup.) Cut the onions into small rings and heat them in the microwave with a splash of water for 60 seconds. Mix the sour cream and heavy cream and season it before spreading it out onto the dough. Add the onions and the bacon bits and bake in a hot oven at 480 F on the lower rack for about 15 minutes.
