Episode #11: “Family Forest”
Facts
One of the most unique and super cool facts about Germany is that is boasts the highest number of zoos in the world, hosting over 400 officially recognized zoos! There are over 150 castles in Germany and the cuckoo clock, where the small red bird pops out every hour, was invented in Germany. More than 30 % of the land in Germany is forest. Let's go see what games German children like to play!
Games
“Hiding Sardines”
Players: 4 or more, ages 5 and up
What you will need: Yard, playground, park, inside
How to play: On child is the "Sardine" and goes to hide while the other children count to 30. The children go in search of the hidden sardine.
If someone finds the hidden child, he/she must join in the hiding place. As other children find the hidden ones, they join them, one by one, until everyone know where the hiding spot is. To make it even more challenging, try it at dusk in the back yard or in the house with the lights turned down or off.
“Hit the Pot” (Topfschlagen)
Players: 2 children, ages 6 & up
What you will need: this game can be played indoor our outside. You will need 1 metal pot, one wooden stick and treats to put inside the pot!
How to play: Player 1 is blindfolded and given a stick. Player 2 take a put, but a treat inside and places the pot somewhere in the room. Player 1 takes the stick and starts to feel around the room in search of the pot. Player 2 tells Player one if he/she is not or cold as far as finding the pot. Once Player 1 finds the pot and hits it with the stick, Player 1 gets the treat inside!
“Cat & Mouse” ( Katz & Maus)
Players: 6+ more , ages 4 & up
What you will need: outdoor or indoor space, large enough for the children to form a circle.
How to play: Two children are chosen - one as the Katz and the other as the Maus. The other children form a circle holding hands. The object of the game is for the Katz to catch the Maus. The Maus may run inside and outside of the circle, sneaking between the children forming the circle. There is an added element of fun, as the children can either block the Maus from getting around or block the Katz from getting to the Maus by closing in the circle. Once the Maus is caught, two more children are selected to be the Katz & Maus and the game begins again! Shall we have some cheese at the end?
Fine Foods from Germany
You cannot beat Beets!
Beets are a traditional root vegetable grown throughout Germany and are revered for their high nutrient content and their earthy taste! Beet juice is a great detoxifier - meaning it gets the icky stuff out of our body and helps clean up your system. The high concentration of phytonutrients in beets help support eye health. Did you see that coming?
Tomatoes
Fun Tomato Fact: The heaviest tomato on record weighed in at 3.51 kg (7 pounds 12 ounces)! That the size of newborn babies!!
The Germans called it “the apple of paradise” and the French called it “the apple of love.”
Tomatoes are a powerhouse full of potassium, which is super beneficial for keeping your body regulate your blood pressure and help prevent heart disease. Tomatoes also contain Vitamin B6, Folate and good healthy fiber! This little wonder food is the most popular plant among all back-yard gardeners.
RECIPE
Green Lentil & Red Beet Salad
Serves 4
If you are vegan you can leave out the cheese and replace the honey with maple syrup.
2 lbs (1 kg) red beetroots (with top greens if in Season, or a large handful fresh spinach)
2 tbsp olive oil, to drizzle
Sea salt and black pepper
1,5 cups (400 ml) raw green lentils
1 small onion, very thinly sliced
10 dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1 cup (200 g) soft sheep’s cheese, crumbled
1 large handful pea sprouts or sprouts of choice
Sweet Lemon & Poppy Seed Dressing
4 tbsp cold-pressed olive oil
1/2 lemon, juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 pinch sea salt
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub and trim the beets (rinse the top greens and set aside). Cut into 1/3 inch (1 cm) slices and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until tender and edges are slightly crispy.
Meanwhile, cook the lentils: Rinse them in water then place in a saucepan. Cover with 3 cups cold water and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, add a pinch of sea salt and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.
Start preparing the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously with a fork until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Place lentils, beets, onions and dried apricots and coarsely chopped beet greens (or fresh spinach) in a large serving bowl, drizzle with dressing and give it a good stir. Serve with crumbled sheep’s cheese and sprouts on top.
German Apple Pancake Recipe
When apples are in abundance, what better way to use them up than to make this delicious German Apple Pancake Recipe.
Recipe
1/2 cup flour
4 eggs - beaten & at room temperature
1/c cup milk
3 oz oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tasty apples
2 teaspoons lemon juice
7 tablespoons of butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing or powdered sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Sift the flour into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add beaten egg mixture. Alternately add the milk and oats and beat well to remove any lumps. Add the salt and leave for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, wash and peel the apples and slice. Sprinkle with lemon juice to stop the apples from turning brown.
In a pan, heat the butter. Use a 10" frying pan. Place a quarter of the apples into the pan and then spoon over a quarter of the batter mixture. Place a lid on the pan and cook over a medium heat for about 5 minutes. Carefully turn the pancake over and cook for 3 minutes on the other side.
Make the remaining pancakes and then sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon to serve.