A Taste of History Season 8 Episode 3 German Born, American Made

In season 8 episode 3 of A Taste of History titled "German Born, American Made," the host Walter Staib explores the influence of German cuisine on American food culture. With German roots himself, Staib takes a personal approach to the episode, highlighting the recipes and traditions that have been passed down through his family.

The episode begins with a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, where Staib introduces viewers to the history of German food in America. He discusses the role of German immigrants in shaping American cuisine, pointing out that many iconic American dishes, such as hot dogs and hamburgers, have German origins.

Staib then travels to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to visit the Kitchen Kettle Village, a popular tourist destination that celebrates Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Here, he learns about traditional German dishes like schnitzel, spaetzle, and sauerbraten, and gets a taste of some homemade apple butter.

Next, Staib heads to the historic city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he visits the Moravian Book Shop. The Moravians were a religious group that settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and they brought with them a strong tradition of baking. Staib learns to make a Moravian sugar cake, a sweet pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar.

The episode also features a visit to the Hershey Museum, where Staib takes a look at the German influence on chocolate-making in America. Milton Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, was of German descent, and he drew on traditional German techniques to create his famous chocolate.

Throughout the episode, Staib emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional recipes and cooking techniques. He speaks with various experts, including a butcher who still makes sausages the old-fashioned way, and a baker who uses a 100-year-old sourdough starter.

The episode concludes with Staib preparing a German-inspired meal for his family and friends. He cooks up some sauerbraten, spaetzle, and red cabbage, and shares stories about his own family's German heritage. The meal is a fitting tribute to the many German immigrants who have contributed to American food culture over the centuries.

Overall, "German Born, American Made" is a fascinating exploration of the role of German cuisine in American history. Through interviews, visits to historic sites, and plenty of delicious food, Staib brings to life the rich traditions that have shaped American food culture.