What makes a successful Octoberfest party?

Well, a healthy selection of good Octoberfest German and Polish beer, for one. (Duh!) But what else will get your party talked about and working well from start to finish?

“Variety – especially with side dishes, plus a little bit of the unexpected,” says Jacquie Bols, owner of Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering. “Definitely offer a classic or two, since people expect them. Sauerbraten (German slow-roasted beef with tangy sauce) is an excellent choice that can be cooked in a crock pot, but offer something unusual, as well. One entrée I like to surprise guests with is a hearty brat seafood boil, with bratwurst, onion, corn on the cob, potatoes and a hearty white fish.”

What makes German food such fun to plan a party around are the bold and complex flavors! Think of grilled brats with zesty mustard and tangy sauerkraut.

It’s always a good idea to offer plenty of hand-held options so folks can stand and chat by the grill, eating, drinking and talking – German style. Here are some of Jacquie’s hand-held favorites:

• Soft pretzels to be dipped in tangy German beer cheese
• Grilled brats with good home made sauerkraut
• Sweet and dill pickles from the summer garden (with fresh dill)
• Pulled pork sliders

Heartier stews for sit down feasts are also great for cool evenings around a fire pit. Consider having these dishes in warmed chafing dishes, ready to be served into bowls:

• Bratwurst or kielbasa stew with carrots, onions, red potatoes and mushrooms
• Stuffed cabbage
• German style red cabbage with green beans
• Homemade sauerkraut with dill pickle slices
• Rotkohl, a tart and sweet dish or red cabbage and apples
• Pork Schnitzel with dill sauce
• Bavarian pot roast
• Potato pancakes
• Authentic German potato salad, German potato dumplings, or German noodles

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with Apple coffee cake, cider donuts, German pancakes, or apple strudel.

Now, crank up that polka music, and have some fun. Prost!