Bratwurst und Bier (Bratwurst & Beer)

It’s been almost 10 years since we’ve experienced the four seasons. San Diego, as most of you know is known for its mild weather all year round. San Diego really doesn’t have seasons per se, but more like the temperature is few degrees warmer or cooler than 70F. Tough life I know, but somebody has to “endure” it. Last autumn in Naples, it was as if someone turned the heat switch off around October. It went from scorching hot to cold and stormy in matter of days. The autumn in Germany is much more subtle. The leaves started changing and falling in mid-September. The days get shorter and colder. The weather pattern here reminds me of my years in the mid-West. Most days we have sun, clouds, wind, and rain. I’ve learned to go outside as soon as the sun peaks out, since it’s less likely that nice weather hangs around for long.

The region where we live, the Rheingau, is in the Rhein river valley. Other than a being a big wine producing region, this area is also quite agriculturally active. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be found in the farmer’s market easily. In early September, we went apple picking in an orchard nearby. Apparently, this orchard only opens one day out of the season to the public, where patrons can pick as much apples as they want for 1 Euro (about $1.20) per kilogram (2.2 pounds). You can even sample as you pick your apples. We bought home about 5 kilos of apples after about an hour of sampling and plucking. You can see the photos to check out how pretty these apples were. So what does one do with all them apples after about 2 weeks of eating apples morning, noon, and night? Why, make apple pies, of course! I found a recipe that I’ve had for a long time, but never found the need or the time to make apple pies from scratch. Luckily for me, the recipe is really easy and the pie turned out really well.
The fall season also brings to mind another big fall event, the October Fest! Contrary to the name of the event, October fest is actually held in late September. This is to allow a better chance of nice weather so that folks can, well drink and be merry. The original October fest venue is in Munich. However, all over Germany, similar type of beer drinking and bratwurst eating events were also held outside of Munich. In fact, we were told that only tourists go to the Munich October fest, and most of the Germans stay away from the overcrowding and probably over-charging beers and food. We went to a local October fest held in Mainz in mid-October. It was only the second year that the event had been held in Mainz. All the wait staff and many musicians were from Munich, so we had an authentic October fest, minus the drive and the crowd. Patrick downed a couple of pints of beers while I had a big mug of wine. After living here for a few months, I still haven’t acquired the taste of beer. Good thing we live in the wine region so I’ll always have something to quench my thirst with something other than beer. hiccup! :)