blog post

Two years ago my sister  Becky, who lives in Wichita, Kansas, bought a bungalow house that was built in 1914.  The structure was in good shape, but the interior and things like plumbing and wiring were just a mess for modern use.

She and her then-fiance (now husband), Brent, decided they would fix this thing up and restore it to its post-Victorian glory.  It is an amazing project, and Becky keeps a blog of the progress at http://kansasbungalow.blogspot.com if you would like to check it out.

For several years before the house project began, Becky and Brent had a tradition of hosting an Oktoberfest party for family and friends.  Now that they are in this big old house, the party has grown in local renown and has become a big seasonal event -- everybody wants to see how the house project is coming along!

Inquiring minds need to know:  Have they got rid of that hideous floral wallpaper in the bedroom yet?  What authentic relics (lamps, rugs, hardware and the like) have they stumbled upon and acquired while antique sleuthing?  And most eagerly anticipated -- will they ever get the downstairs bathroom finished?

So this weekend is the Oktoberfest celebration, and I'll be heading up there Friday.  I love to stay there because the sunroom and upstairs bathroom remind me of the old spas of Hot Springs, with all the white tile and old-fashioned fixtures.  I call it the "B & B Spa."  Becky loves candles and herbal soaps and such, and her "extra touches" really complete the spa ambiance.

In honor of her hospitality, I am including a recipe for genuine "Homemade German Noodles," so simple (but delicious) even I can make them:

2 cups sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 egg yolks, beaten

1/2 cup lukewarm water

Combine flour and salt.  Stir in egg yolks and water -- mix well.  Knead on floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.  Let dough rest 30 minutes.

Roll out to 18" square.  Let dry one hour.

Roll up loosely like a jelly roll.  Cut dough into 1/4" strips.  Unroll strips.  Cut in 4" lengths.  Lay out to dry again for 1 hour.

Cook in 3 quarts of boiling, salted water 18 minutes or until noodles are tender.  Drain in colander.  Serve as you would packaged noodles.  I think they are best with pot roast, gravy, and either peas or green beans.  Enjoy!