SPAETZLE

Spaetzle [Shpeht-sluh] Literally translated from German as "little sparrow," spaetzle is a dish of tiny noodles or dumplings made with flour, eggs, water or milk, salt and sometimes nutmeg. The spaetzle dough can be firm enough to be rolled and cut into slivers or soft enough to be forced through a sieve, colander or spaetzle-maker with large holes. The small pieces of dough are usually boiled (poached) before being tossed with butter or added to soups or other dishes. In Germany, spaetzle is served as a side dish much like potatoes or rice, and is often accompanied by a sauce or gravy.

You can order a Spaetzle maker from the Kitchen Emporium or from Fante's Gourmet and Kitchen Wares for less than $10.

For a basic spaetzle dough you combine

3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
2 eggs
a pinch of salt

to a soft dough. Bring 2 quarts of saltwater to a soft boil and add 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent the spaetzle from sticking together.

Place the spaetzle maker over the boiling water and load the prepared dough in the upper safety chamber. The little dumplings are formed and drop into the water as you glide the chamber back and forth over the shaping screen.

The spaetzle are ready, when they float to the surface (1-3 minutes). Siphon the dumplings from the water with a sieve or or equivalent tool and repeat this procedure until the dough is gone.

You can then eat the spaetzle tossed with a little butter as a simple side dish or try the following variation as a full meal:

KAESE SPAETZLE (Cheese Spaetzle)

Cut 1/2 a pound of bacon into cubes, fry and drain, add 2-4 cubed onions and fry them in the remaining bacon fat. Layer the spaetzle with the fried onion/bacon mixture and about 1/3 - 1/2 pound of grated cheese. Most cheese will do: gouda or edamer are the traditional ones but mozarella (you can buy a bag of grated cheese normally used for pizza) or a mixture with swiss or gryere will add that cheese's distinct flavor. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 F or until the cheese is melted. Top with fresh parsley before serving and eat with a fresh green salad.