The Culinary Architect: German dishes for October and beyond

Every year Germans celebrate their food, culture and beer from the middle of September to the beginning of October.  
Why be limited to three weeks of the year to celebrate and eat delicious German food? 
German sausages are known for their full flavor and ease of preparation as most are sold precooked in the supermarket. 
Start off your celebration of Germany with pretzels and hearty German mustards, available in the International section of most supermarkets or at German delicatessen’s. 
Prepare the Bratwursts and the sides, ahead of time if you wish, and finish off your meal with a delectable strudel, available at most bakeries and you have a German feast. 
Wearing Lederhosens is optional — Oompah!
MENU
Serves 12
Pretzels and Mustard
Bratwurst
Baked Endive
The Most Delicious
Sauerkraut
Bakes Beans* (optional)
Strudel*
*Recipe Not Given
Bratwurst
1 package Boar’s Head
brand Natural Casing 
Cooked Bratwurst 
(4 pieces)
Spray oil
1/4 cup water
1.  Spray a fry pan with oil.  Saute Bratwurst until golden and bursting, turning
brats often.
2.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Add water.  Cover on simmer for 7 minutes.
Baked Endive
Endive is more French than German, but I personally love the way it goes with German Sausages, try it and see if you agree.
5 endives, cleaned and 
halved lengthwise
2 tblsps. butter, divided
1/4 cup homemade or 
store bought chicken stock
A few sprigs of thyme
1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2.  Butter a quiche dish or other ovenproof dish.  Place endive facedown.  Top with stock and thyme.
3.  Butter a sheet of aluminum.  Place on top of endive.
4.  Bake, covered, until endive is soft.  Approximately 50 minutes.  Serve hot.
The Most Delicious Saukerkraut
1/2 cup beer
1/8 cup brown sugar
1 27 oz. can sauerkraut, 
washed and drained
1.  In a pot large enough to hold the sauerkraut and beer:  Combine beer and brown sugar.  Bring to a simmer.
2.  Add sauerkraut and cook on low as long as you like.  The longer, the better.
Alexandra Troy is owner of Culinary Architect Catering, a 32-year old Greenvale-based company, specializing in private, corporate and promotional parties.  
For more photos and presentation follow Culinary Architect Catering on Facebook. 
Please email me photos of your dishes at party@culinaryarchitect.com.