The German IV and V classes are taking a new approach to learning German.
As part of an experimental culture unit, German teacher Mrs. Cervi is having students explore the traditional foods of different regions of Germany.
For the first trial, students cooked a probable meal from Northern Germany. In pairs, students made such dishes as Bratwurst, potato apple dumplings, marzipan, pumpernickel bread, and butter cookies.
Students spent all of 4th and 5th hours in the foods lab for two consecutive days to complete their dishes. Some of the recipe instructions were lost in translation, which resulted in unintended concoctions. However, the experience was beneficial.
Senior Grady Erickson said, “This unit is a great idea to become immersed in the German culture.”
Next, the German students will cook dishes from Southern Germany.
Mrs. Cervi is very excited about the experimental unit and hopes to continue with the unit in the future.
“There is so much more to Germany than just the World War Two stereotype,” she said. “I want to change that image, and food is one avenue of doing so. Food is an integral part of life in Germany. The rich and filling specialty dishes mirror Germany’s culture and history.”
Next week, the students will cook dishes from Southern Germany.
German Club savings are funding the unit this year. If this culture unit is continued next year, there is a possibility that there will be an additional fee for the class.