Spaetzle

For the past five years, my husband goes with his best friend to the Dallas/Eagles game. While he is gone, I always think I will have extra time. How wrong I am. It is all the little things he does which I have to do. Can you tell I am missing him? Also five years ago, we went to Oktoberfest in Munich. It was a lot of fun so I try to make something Germany this time of year. While he was gone, I thought I would make this for the kids. They loved it very much. I guess I'll be making it again when my husband gets back since they told him all about it. I have made Spaetzle before but it was rather plain. This recipe is far from being plain-anything cheesy is a winner with me.

Spaetzle with Swiss Cheese and Caramelized Onions
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups Swiss cheese, grated
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, milk, and eggs. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt the water generously. 
5. Working in batches, press the batter through a spaetzle maker (or a colander with large holes) into the boiling water.
6. When the spaetzle floats to the top of the water, remove with a slotted spoon. 
7. Place the spaetzle into the prepared dish in a single layer.
8. Top the spaetzle with cheese. 
9. Continue pressing the batter into the boiling water then adding to the prepared dish. Then top with cheese.
10. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
11. Add the onion and saute until golden brown.
12. Top the onions over the spaetzle. 
13. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
14. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Roland Radler. 

One year ago.................................I made Apple Cider Doughnut Glaze.
Two years ago...............................I made Stuffed Pork Chops.
Three years ago.............................I made Rocket Focaccia Bread.

Did you already know........................
-In 2015, the 182nd Oktoberfest began on Sept. 18th until Oct. 4th.
-To enter a beer tent it is free but arrive early to secure a seat. 
-Reservations can be made since once a tent is full then no more entries.