Can't make it to Munich this year, try Hometoberfest!

noreply@blogger.com (The Simple American) — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 23:08:00 +0000

Not all of us can afford to skip off to Munich this year to celebrate the biggest beer holiday of the year, so I have created this guide as a way for you to celebrate at home, here is how to create Hometoberfest!

1) The Beer

The most important part of this celebration is, you guessed it, the beer or in German, bier! The real celebration in Munich is sponsored by six home breweries, Spaten, Lowenbrau, Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, and Hofbrau. Most of these brands can be found at your local supermarket, I would recommend using one of these brews for the most authentic experience.

2) The food

All kinds of traditional German fare is served at Oktoberfest. For a great appetizer, you can serve a large pretzel bar with cheese and mustard dipping sauces, it would be better to use a German or a sweet mustard instead of the typical yellow mustard. Entrées can range from pan fried schnitzel to the more authentic whole roasted chicken which is more popular in Munich. If everyone hasn't filled up on beer and the first two courses, dessert could be either decorative gingerbread cookies, like the heart shaped ones sold in German markets, or a more scrumptious apple strudel that would be sure to please everyone.

3) The Dress Code

When attending this gracious holiday, it is customary to wear lederhosen for men and dirndl for women. Authentic garb can get expensive so the closest to it would be gingham shirts with brown or khaki shorts for men, and a sundress for women.

4) The Atmosphere

Bavarian colors are light blue and white, by twisting together streamers in those colors and draping them from the ceiling, can give a tent like effect in the room. Also finding a German music playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, is a nice touch.

PROST!

What I want, What I MEAD (What is Mead?)

noreply@blogger.com (The Simple American) — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:02:00 +0000

YOUR NEW BOOK CLUB BEVERAGE!!!

Before there was wine, 8,000 years ago there was Mead. Mead is a form of "honey wine" made from the fermentation of honey mixed with water, with added spices and hops for preservation. ABV can range from 8% to 20%, this nectar of the gods will surely get your grammy dancing on the dining room table. The taste profile may not be as sweet as expected but provides the flavor of light beer with all the buzz of a wine.

Mead brewing has surged in the past couple of years, satisfying the likes of child actor, Dylan Sprouse, into opening his own Meadery All-Wise, in New York.

Some other popular Mead brands to check out are, Schramm's and Superstition.

If you are interested in making your own Mead, you can purchase your own kit online.

Bottoms Up!