Now that it's October I say think it's time to to celebrate Oktoberfest! My way of doing it is just making my favorite German recipes. 

Back when I was in college at Marquette University, I used to work at a legendary German restaurant in Milwaukee called Mader’s. Have you been there? It used to be the place to go for German food!

When I’m craving German food, I make my German Dinner in the Slow Cooker.    It reminds me of my days at Mader’s. Sauerkraut, potatoes, apples, smoked sausage and a beer. What's not to love? It's so easy! Not to mention the house smells so good when this is cooking. YUMMY! What a great dinner to come home to. 

Click Dinners and Slow Cooker for more main dish ideas.

When I make dinner I love to start with a great big salad.  I love my Spinach Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing.  It's loaded with bacon, hardboiled eggs and topped with the best ever tangy but sweet homemade salad dressing.  You just gotta try it! It's one of my favorite fall salads! 

If you're making soups or stew or just need something on the side for dinner why not make 4-ingredient Beer Bread. 

It's so much cheaper to make than those box beer bread mixes. It costs just pennies and it's so good. Click Sides and Salads for more ideas.

If you like brats, you’ll LOVE my Brat Bundles. Perfect for game day! Click Appetizers for more munchie and dip recipes.

If you are grilling brats or burgers make my Easy German Potato Salad on the side. 

It’s so delicious and it’s a 30 minute recipe, maybe even less. LOVE that! Delicious warm or cold.

For breakfast, why not really WOW the family this weekend! 

My baked German Apple Pancake  will make you look like a rockstar! 

Nobody needs to know how easy it was to make.  You probably have all the ingredients to make it right now. So, what are you waiting for? Makes the house smell so good. And no flipping pancakes all morning!

We love it with sausage or bacon.  Brew up some coffee and that’s a great Sunday brunch. Bring it on! Click Breakfast & Brunch for lots more recipes.

For dessert, it’s gotta be German Chocolate Cake! The coconut pecan frosting is SO GOOD. Click Desserts for more tasty fall dessert recipes.

I'm SO EXCITED to announce next year's trip! Join me!  This trip has it all! 

It’s THE ULTIMATE TRIP TO  ITALY! If you’ve always dreamed of going to Italy, THIS is the trip!  

We'll  spend 9 magical days in Tuscany in a  gorgeous sprawling 14th-century Tuscan resort filled with so much history and charm. 

We'll tour beautiful towns like Siena and Cortona, where the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed.   

We'll tour vineyards and taste amazing wines.   We'll even take 3 different authentic Italian cooking classes.   My annual group trip ALWAYS sells out and it's filling up quickly!

Don't wait! Reserve your spot today!  

Click Join The Cooking Mom in Italy to read all about this trip of a lifetime!

Now is the time to plan your winter getaway!  

I just announced a new trip next March 25-April first to gorgeous Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  

This trip is already FILLING UP FAST!  We'll stay at a small beautiful boutique hotel, voted one of THE BEST in Mexico!  My travelers LOVE it!  This trip is a GREAT DEAL because our resort is an all-inclusive.  All your gourmet made to order meal and scratch made drinks at our resort are included!  Book your spot today! 

Click Join The Cooking Mom in Puerto Vallarta to find out more and reserve your room! 

Have you ever been to Mackinac Island, Michigan!  It's MAGICAL!  

There are no cars on the island, just horses and bikes.  It's like you've stepped back in time.

Join me next June for Lilac Fest 2025!  

Now is the time to reserve your spot!  This trip always sells out! 

We stay at the most beautiful resort!  Huge cooked to order gourmet breakfasts are included every morning.  The food is amazing!  

We'll get a behind the scenes tour of the best fudge shop on the island and we'll get to try lots of different flavors.  

There's a wine and cheese welcome party and dinner with your choice of fresh Lake Michigan Whitefish or steak.  Plus, you'll have the option to add on a spectacular sunset sail under the Mackinac Bridge and a private carriage ride around the island!  

This trip is SO SPECIAL!  We only have a limited amount of rooms so don't wait to book! 

Click The Cooking Mom Mom Vacation to Mackinac Island for dates, pricing and all the delicious details!