What's For Dinner: Soft Pretzels, Pork Schnitzel And Sauerkraut

Not feeling inspired by your usual dishes? Here's what's for dinner.

Prost! Though you'd think otherwise by its name, the end of September means we're in the throes of Oktoberfest. The 16-day festival is a celebration of German music, food and, of course, beer. A flight to Germany might be a bit extreme, so put on your lederhosen and get cooking with this dinner menu instead. As for your drink of choice? That just obvious.

① Snack: Traditional Soft Pretzels
The pretzel's road to its role as street cart and bar menu staple began as far back as AD 610, and we have 18th-century German immigrants to thank for bringing the snack over to America. You'll have as much fun shaping these authentic, doughy knots as you will eating them.

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② Main Course: Pork Schnitzel with Slow-Braised Cabbage and Paprika-Cream Sauce
We may not be fluent in German, but we're fairly certain schnitzel directly translates to golden, fried perfection. The slow-braised cabbage is worth the wait—it becomes ultra tender with a sweet and tangy bite from honey and red wine vinegar.

③ Side Dish: Sauerkraut
Though you won't be able to eat it tonight, get creative with cabbage for this fun (and easy) cooking project. Start it today, and in just a few days, you'll have a jar of the classic German side to stretch Oktoberfest as far as you'd like.