Number of Guests: 10
To Warm Your Soul
Weihnachtspunsch/Glühwein (Christmas Punch/Hot Mulled Wine)
The entire time we were in Vienna the temperatures were below freezing, yet we were outdoors all day. How did we do it? Long underwear and Christmas Punsch! At all of the markets, you could buy a mug of steaming wine, intoxicated with fresh fruits, rum, spices and heated to just the right temperature (just before boiling, at which point the alcohol burns off). Best part? For the low price of 2 - 3 euros you could refill your mug, and no one minded that you were drunk. We've attempted to recreate this fragrant treasure for you with our own concoction of strawberries, blackberries, red wine, spice rum, oranges and spices. Just the right thing to keep you warm this winter :)
Main Course
Wiener Schnitzel recipe
Nope, it's not a hot dog drenched in Chili, we were surprised too! It turns out this "Viennese Sliver" (literally translated), is a cutlet of veal, pounded thin, breaded and fried. Served with lemon wedges it is one of Austria's most famous and beloved dishes.
Side Dishes
Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes) recipe
We didn't know how to pronounce it either, but another Christmas Market special, these garlicky treats were inhaled on the spot. A combination of shredded potatoes, onions and eggs, these are pan fried, usually in bacon fat. We're not claiming they are healthy, just that they are delicious.
Gekochter Erdäpfelsalat (Potato Salad) recipe
More potatoes? Yes! This traditional side dish to Wiener Schnitzel resembles your grandma's picnic recipe, but focuses on more delicate flavors. Seasoned with apple cider vinegar and pickles, it balances nicely with the veal.
Rotkraut mit Äpfeln (Red Cabbage with Apples) recipe
A regular at Christmas dinners, this salad is perked up with green apples for the holiday season. This savory, zesty dish is seasoned with apple cider vinegar, mustard and bacon.
Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad) recipe
I couldn't remember the Austrian name for this, but I assure you it doesn't matter, the seasoned cucumbers play perfectly with yogurt. This cool salad works on the side or as a dressing.
Dessert
Sacher Torte (Chocolate Cake) recipe
The Sachertorte is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties, and can only truly be obtained from Vienna and Salzburg. How is this possible? After a landmark case over the copyright of the famous Sachertorte (one word), it was decided that the Sacher Hotel could retain the rights over the dessert and all other imitations would henceforth be called Sacher Torte (two words), which is what we will be serving. The Sacher Hotel guards the recipe closely having originally created it the prince in 1832 demanded of his dessert chef "take care that you do NOT make me look a fool tonight." In other words? He didn't want his dessert to make him look girly. Insert the Sachertorte; a chocolate sponge cake filled with apricot jam, drenched in a fudgey frosting, and served alongside unsweetened whipped cream.
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