Edible Antics - Having Fun With Food

Traditional Cookies from Around the World Unite in Wisconsin

Traditional cookies from Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland and Denmark are lovingly baked and decorated right here in Wisconsin. 

 

 

Springerle Cookies - Germany

Beautiful Springerle cookies are baked in molds and hand-painted with intricate designs.The history of Springerle cookies can be traced back to the 1400s to the areas of Europe that are now Germany and Switzerland.The bakers at Embossed Edibles here in Wisconsin take pride in continuing this artistic tradition.

Biscotti - Italy

Biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies designed for dunking in your coffee, so you have an excuse to have cookies for breakfast! The Wisconsin bakery K-Delights bakes them up and covers them with chocolate, nuts, berries and more.They are available online at Wisconsinmade.com.

Bratzeli - Switzerland

These buttery cookies are handmade in the town known as Wisconsin's "Little Swizterland" - New Glarus. The New Glarus Bakery bakes these thin, wafer-like cookies in an iron and flavor them with almond.

Shortbread - Scotland

The history of Shortbread cookies dates back to the middle ages in Scotland. They were considered a luxury and enjoyed at Christmas celebrations and weddings.Today, they are still a Christmas favorite but visitors to the Wisconsin Dells enjoy them by the thousands at Cheesecake Heaven Cafe. If you aren't near the Dells, you can still taste this famous cookie by shopping at Wisconsinmade.com.

Nut Horns - Denmark

A Danish tradition, light and flakey Nut Rolls are handmade in Racine, Wisconsin. Each roll is filled with ground walnuts, cream cheese and topped with icing.They have been a customer favorite for over 20 years and were even featured on the Food Network.

Gumbo Recipe with a Wisconsin Twist

The quick and easy gumbo recipe had been sitting in my "bookmarks" folder for a long time now and I had almost everything on hand to make it except for the sausage. I was about to head to the grocery store when I decided to hunt in the freezer for my final ingredient. The recipe called for a spciy andouille sausage but when I came across a package of Bavaria Sausage Kitchen bratwurst I decided to try those instead. I enjoy the taste of spice but I am a big whimp so the brats would be a welcome subsitution. The best part about this recipe? You can set it and forget it in the slow cooker. 

 

Don't Forget November and December Birthdays

November is here and December is fast approaching. Quick! Deck the halls! Brine the turkey! Vacuum the guest bedroom!

With all the chores to do before Thanksgiving and Christmas, it can be easy to forget November and December birthdays.  Just because someone happens to be born around the same time of year as baby Jesus doesn't mean they don't deserve a special day of their own.  My mom's birthday is November 21st and  she often receives presents with the caveat "This is your birthday AND your Christmas present". 

Now, I know "it's the thought that counts" and most people with November and December birthdays don't make a big deal about their forgotten or otherwise diminished birthdays, but how about we make this year different? Let's give the winter babies a BIRTHDAY present that isn't under the tree or wrapped in red and green, but a legitimate cake, candles, and balloons present.  Here are some festive and tasty ideas for November and December birthday gifts.

 

Hand-Decorated Birthday Sugar Cookies

Freshly baked cookies decorated with cakes and balloons won't be confused as a Christmas present so they make the perfet treat for a December birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popcorn and Seasoning Birthday Gift Set

Freshly popped popcorn makes a yummy birthday treat.  Add two flavors of popcorn seasonings, popcorn forks and a birthday gift box and you've got a popcorn party. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customized Birthday Cake

Nothing says "Happy Birthday" better than cake! If you aren't a baker, leave it to the experts at O&H Bakery to make a cake that the birthday boy or girl will never forget. 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a November or December birthday?  Comment below and tell me your story. 

 

 

Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapeno

If you think mac and cheese from the box is as good as it gets, think again. This mac and cheese with bacon and jalapeno is creamier, cheesier, and all around superior to the blue box.  The one-pot-wonder recipe makes a spicy side dish or a hearty meal.  Don't skimp on the ingredients- use real Wisconsin cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and a high-quality pasta for a real crowd pleasing dish. 

 

 

 

 

 

Bacon Burger

When you serve a bacon burger at your Packer game day party or Badger tailgate, notice as your friends peek under the bun and say "where's the bacon?".  It tastes like applewood smoked bacon, but there are no bacon strips to be found.  The secret is the bacon hidden in the meat.

If you are a fan of the Nueske bacon burger like I am, you will be saddened to know Nueske will no longer be making the bacon burger.  Pork lovers of the world need not despair however, because I, your local Wisconsin food enthusiast, can tell you how to make your own bacon burgers at home. Click "continue reading" to see the shockingly simple recipe.

Basic Dishes for Wisconsin Cooks and a Gift Card Giveaway!

  

 

Contest Rules: Comment on this post between now and noon central time on 9/30/2011 and you will be entered in the drawing.  I will pick a winner at random and send them an electronic gift certificiate via e-mail. By commenting/entering the contest, you agree to receive the Wisconsinmade.com weekly e-mail newsletter.  You can unsubscribe at anytime.  Visit Wisconsinmade.com to view the privacy policy that also applies to all Wisconsinmade.com contests including those hosted here on the Edible Antics blog. Contact info@wisconsinmade.com with questions.

Even if spending time in the kitchen isn't your favorite, it is important to know how to prepare a few basic dishes. Most people know how to cook a burger, an omelet, a roasted chicken, but in Wisconsin, we have some additional favorites that most Wisconsin cooks can whip up on short notice. 

 

Beer Cheese Soup -  Warm up a cold night with this Wisconsin favorite.  Keep it simple with beer and cheese, or add veggies and bratwurst for a more complete meal. My favorite beer cheese soup recipe includes carrots, celery, and potatoes.

Tip: You can skip the beer and use chicken broth instead, but then you'll just have cheese soup!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bratwurst- There are as many ways to cook and serve bratwurst as their are Wisconsin cooks.  Pre-cooked brats can be just as good as fresh brats, but only require a quick sear on the grill.  Fresh brats need to be pre-boiled and Wisconsin cooks usually boil the brats in beer instead of water for some extra flavor. For some bratwurst serving inspiration, visit my blog post to find out how the Wisconsinmade.com staff likes their brats.  Also, be sure to check out the Bratwurst Pages for brat cooking instructions and more.

 

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Grilled Cheese-  The beginner's grilled cheese is two slices of white bread and some american cheese slices. Once a Wisconsin cook masters the basic grilled cheese, she can move on to more creative pursuits.  Test out different cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack), different breads (wheat, sour dough, ciabatta)  and add-ons (bacon, tomato, pesto) to discover the true wonders of the grilled cheese.  Visit this post to see my favorite grilled cheese recipe, or find inspiration at the Grilled Cheese Academy. 

Tip: Use shredded cheese instead of slices, this makes the cheese melt more evenly. 

 

 

 

Mac and Cheese-  This basic dish is another blank canvas for your Wisconsin culinary creativity to shine. Start with a basic recipe, then experiment with different cheeses, pasta shapes, and add-ins.

Tip: If you are baking your mac and cheese, boil your pasta a minute or two less than what the box recommends, it will cook some more in the oven.

 

 

Oktoberfest Party Checklist

Follow these easy steps to make your Oktoberfest party Wunderbar!

Dress the part.  For guys, rock the lederhosen. Ladies play "Heidi" in a drindl, also known as the "beer girl dress". 

Get Decorating. Turn your backyard into a beer garden with German flags and blue and white Bavarian table cloths.

Grill some brats. Bratwurst by Bavaria Sausage Kitchen will bring the taste of Germany to your party.  Serve in hard rolls with sauerkraut, German mustard, and curry ketchup.  For dessert, serve Oktoberfest party guest decadent German chocolate cake. 

Don't forget Das Boot. If you haven't played this party game, you're missing out on some fun.  Drinking out of a boot is trickier than it looks- drink too fast and you could get splashed in the face! 

Dance the polka. You might think that you don't like polka, but I dare you to listen to a polka CD without taping your foot along to the tuba beat! No Oktoberfest party is complete without, polka music, and if you have a friend who can teach everyone some basic polka steps, even better, you'll have a barrel of fun.

From decorations to drindls, all of the non-food items you need for your Oktoberfest party are available at Oktoberfesthaus.com and bratwurst, wiesswurst and more are available at Wisconsinmade.com. Shop between now and October 31st and receive 10% off your order with promo code WISCMADE at BOTH websites. Oktoberfest 2011 will be celebrated from September 17th- October 3rd, but the discount is valid until October 31st.

Chewy Brownies: An Accidental Discovery

I accidentally discovered the secret to chewy brownies when I made  "bratwurst on the grill" brownies, an idea from Taste of Home Magazine. 

My coworker Marilyn pointed out to me that she loves chewy brownies, and mine were chewy all the way around.  You've probably heard of those "As Seen on TV", all-corners brownie pans. If you are a chewy brownie lover,  I'm here to tell you, don't buy the over-priced pan! There is a cheaper and easier way to make chewy brownies and you probably have the key piece of equipment in your kitchen right now: the muffin tin.  By putting my brownie batter in a muffin tin, I made chewy brownies without even meaning too.  Not to mention the grill decorations make this the perfect dessert for your next brat cookout. To make your own, just follow these simple steps:

• Take some brownie batter (from a box or from scratch- it's up to you) and fill greased muffin cups most of the way and bake as instructed on the box/in the recipe. 
• After the brownies have baked and cooled, top each brownie with red or orange sugar sprinkles (these are the glowing coals).
• Use black icing to make lines for the grill grate. I used the little tubes of gel you find in the baking section of the grocery store.
• Top each grill with three Hot Tamale candies.
• Make grill marks on your Hot Tamale bratwurst.  I found that using the icing straight out of the tube made the line too thick. Instead, squirt out a bit of icing on to a plate and run a toothpick through it, then run the toothpick over the candy three times to make the grill marks.

For a winter brownie decoration, visit my Snowy Wisconsin Brownies post. 

What brownie do you prefer? The edge, the middle, or the corner?

Childhood Food: Give the Gift of Memories

Hitting a sentimental cord with your gifts is a sure way to make your recipient smile, and nothing stirs up happy memories better than childhood food. Thanks to the Internet, almost any food can be sent as a gift.  The birthday gift I just sent to my brother is a perfect example. 

Growing up my brother was an obnoxiously picky eater.  He loved "PBJ", and would eat PBJ for breakfast, and lunch.  For dinner, well, he needed something a bit more substantial. My mom is an excellent cook and made dinner most nights, but more often than not my brother would refuse to eat the lovingly prepared, healthy meal in exchange for a monster "double decker PBJ".  Back to the present day, I'm browsing my usual food blogs and I find a post about PBJ in a can.  Perfect! I order a box of them and have them sent to my brother, now 22 and still picky as ever, who will be thrilled to have PBJ ready to eat at any time, day or night.  With only a few clicks I sent a gift of childhood food memories to my brother.  He hasn't received it yet but I will update you when I hear about his reaction.

Hopefully your gift recipients have a slightly more sophisticated pallet than my brother, and will enjoy a food gift from Wisconsinmade.com. For anyone connected to Wisconsin, Wisconsinmade.com is the mecca of childhood food gifts. Just a few examples of popular Wisconsin food gifts:

• A favorite gift around Christmas time is Tom & Jerry Mix- people from the Midwest feel their holiday just isn't complete without a warm, frothy cup of the comforting Tom & Jerry drink made from this mix.
• Babcock Hall Ice Cream is hugely popular among University of Wisconsin graduates, and the blue moon flavor is a childhood favorite of many Wisconsinites.
• Danish Kringle pastries are another Christmas time tradition, and these ship fresh from Wisconsin bakeries and make the perfect gift during the holidays or anytime.
• Wisconsin gift baskets include a variety of Wisconsin goodies in case you can't decide on just one. 

What childhood food would you love to receive as a gift?

Top 5 Spelling Bee Words- Wisconsin Food Style!

Tomorrow is the last day of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which has me thinking about all the difficult words I have to spell when I'm writing my Wisconsin food-fun blog posts.  Here are  a few Wisconsin food spelling bee words that would be a challenge for the super spellers at Scripps! (Note: This is just for fun and these words probably won't be used in any spelling bees).

1. Sheboygan Bratwurst

  

Definition: A yummy sausage originating from the city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, which is located on the Western shore of Lake Michigan. Sheboygan also refers to a way of serving bratwursts- 2 brats per roll, no boiling in beer, top with ketchup, onion, mustard and dill pickled slices.  Check out the Bratwurst Pages for more detailed instructions.

Sentence: I'm so glad it is warm outside, I can't wait to grill up some Sheboygan Bratwurst.

Language of Origin: Chippewa (Native American) and German

2. Juustoleipa

 

 

 

 

Definition: A cheese variety originating in Finland that is cut into bread-like slices and baked to gooey perfection.  Also known as Juusto or bread cheese.  Find out more about Juusto and what to do with it in previous blog posts.

Sentence:I enjoy Juustoleipa at breakfast- fresh out of the oven and topped with honey.

Language of Origin: Finnish

 

3. Landjager

 

 

 

 

 

Definition: A tender, semi-dried sausage that is a popular snack for hiking and camping since it doesn't require refrigeration.  It usually has a unique square shape and comes in connected pairs.

Sentence: I can't wait to go camping, don't forget to pack the landjager.

Language of Origin: German

 

4. Mocha Machiatto

  
  

 

 

 

Definition: An ice cream variety with coffee flavored ice cream and chocolate pieces. Made by Babcock Hall Dairy at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Sentence: Since I graduated from UW I miss Babcock Hall ice cream, good thing Wisconsinmade.com ships Mocha Machiatto to my home state.

Language of Origin: Italian

 

5. Kransekager

 

 

 

 

 

Definition: A cousin of the Kringle, Kransekager is a Scandanavian cake made of rings of almond pastry that is often used in weddings and other celebrations.

Sentence: Wow, that Krasenkager sure looks impressive and tastes fantastic.

Language of Origin: Danish