Bring the German Markets to your home!

Everyone loves the Christmas markets. These traditional German extravaganzas date all the way back to the 1600s, but our favourite bit has to be all that timeless and delicious food - cooked outside on those warm, steaming grills.

Avoid the queues and the manic crowds, and let's talk a couple of recipes to get you started on bringing the whole Christmas Market vibe to your garden this winter.

Traditional Currywurst

Just like Mutter used to make...

You'll need

• 4-6 Bratwurst or Bockwurst sausages

• 1 onion - finely diced

• 500ml ketchup 2 cups

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons mild curry powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

• 3 teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar

• ½ teaspoon honey

• 70 ml orange juice (5 tbsp)

Method

1. Fire up the grill and barbecue the sausages until browned on all sides.

2. Start frying the onions and brown sugar in the oil until caramelised. Pour in the orange juice and mix in with the tomato paste.

3. Add the ketchup, balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil and leave to simmer for around 3-4 minutes.

4. Season with curry powder, Worcestershire sauce and pepper.

5. If you find the sauce too thick you can thin it with some water or more orange juice.

Potato Pancakes

A Christmas markets staple. Deep fried goodness... 

You'll need

• 1200 g waxy potatoes

• 1 onion

• 5-8 tbsp potato starch

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• black pepper

Method

1. Peel and grate the potatoes with a medium grater (or coarse one).

2. Squeeze grated potato in a hand or in a towel or cheesecloth to remove as much moisture - let them drain for about 30 minutes.

3. Peel and finely dice the onion, and preheat your fat/oil to 180°C. Or, with our Fryton BBQ with built-in air fryer, you could air fry for a healthier result!

4. In a large bowl mix the potatoes, eggs, salt, black pepper, potato starch. The mixture should have a thick consistency.

5. Add a large spoonful of the mixture to the fat spreading it slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the pancakes are golden brown.

6. Drain excess oil and serve with apple sauce or garlic mayo. Delicious!

Gluhwein

The perfect drink for grown ups to warm their cockles on cold, winter days...

You'll need

• 1 orange, halved and sliced
• 1 bottle red wine
• 200g caster sugar
• 5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 3 slices fresh ginger (peeled)
• 150ml brandy, rum or amaretto

Method

1. Put the orange slices, wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and ginger in a large pan.

2. Warm gently for 10-15 mins, being careful not to let the mixture boil.

3. Add the alcohol, pour into glasses and serve warm.

 

We hope you enjoy and try this little selection of German Christmas Market recipes. If you do try, be sure to tag us on our social media - We'd love to see what you create!