Heaven and Earth – German Style

In honor of National Pig Day, (March 1 – yes, it’s a real day set aside to celebrate our porcine friends), play a card game of Pig, curl up on the couch and watch one of the memorable pig movies-Charlotte’s Web or Babe, and enjoy a tasty meal of Himmel und Erde – Heaven and Earth! This hearty main dish originates from Germany.  The name indicates how *two of the ingredients grow – apples up toward heaven and potatoes down in the earth. Also a great choice for your Oktoberfest celebration.  

 

Here is what you will need to prepare this robust recipe:

*4 large cooking apples (i.e. Granny Smith) –  approximately 2 pounds

*4 large potatoes – approximately 2 pounds

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

6- 8 cups water

Pinch ground black pepper

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

3 medium onions, peeled and sliced into rings

½ teaspoon dried basil

6 bratwurst

1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

  1. Wash, peel, core and cube the apples
  2. Wash peel, and cube the potatoes
  3. Put the apples, potatoes, salt, sugar, and vinegar into a large pot.  Add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Potatoes should be tender when pricked with a fork.
  4. In a frying pan, saute the onions and basil in the vegetable oil over medium heat for 5- 10 minutes, or until tender and light brown. Reduce the heat to low to keep the onions warm.
  5. Boil the bratwurst in a saucepan according to package instructions. Reduce heat to low to keep them warm.
  6. Drain the apple-potato mixture into a colander. Return mixture to saucepan and mash until smooth.
  7. Spoon the mixture into a serving dish.
  8. Drain the bratwurst and arrange on top of the apple-potato mixture. Top with onions and fresh parsley.