Umm, Octoberfest!
Without a doubt one of my favorite times of the year, the smell of grilled sausages, strong mustards, & hearty beer always invoke fond memories of tailgating, LSU/Saints football, & much cooler weather. Most importantly however, is the yearly celebration of Octoberfest. If you are going to prepare your own Oktoberfest meal this year, you should treat your guests to traditional Sauerbraten. Serve it with egg noodles (or even spaetzel) and braised red cabbage with apples and your guests are sure to be impressed.
Sauerbraten
Makes 12-15 Servings
ingredients
6 pound rump of beef or rolled boned chuck
1 1/2 cups of red wine vinegar
1/2 cup red wine
1 1/2 cups water
1 bay leaf
5 peppercorns
3 whole cloves
2 tablespoons salt
2 onions, sliced
4 tablespoons shortening or oil
5 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup crushed gingersnaps
preparation
It is best to have the meat in one solid piece, but if it is boned and rolled, make sure it has no added covering of suet. Combine the vinegar, wine, water and seasonings, pour this mixture over the meat. Add the sliced onions. Keep meat in the refrigerator, covered with marinade, for 1-3 days, turning occasionally. (Purists say it should be 3 days; I find 1 day sufficient.) Remove meat from marinade, wipe dry with paper towels and brown in the shortening over high heat, sprinkling with 1 tablespoon flour. Strain and add marinade, cover, lower heat and cook gently for 4-5 hours, until fork-tender. Remove meat and keep in warm place. Pour off the stock. In the same kettle, melt the butter, add the remaining flour and the sugar, stirring until smooth and browned. Slowly add the stock, cooking until smooth and thickened. Add the crushed gingersnaps, and cook until dissolved. Replace meat in the sauce and cook 1/2 hour longer. Meanwhile, cook noodles to serve with the sauerbraten. This dish tastes better the second day.