Postings from Germany

Spring means Spargel (asparagus to you guys)

Ooooh. This blog has been going on so long I know I am repeating myself. But repetitions are natural - seasons, birthdays, (bi)cycles, and especially these seasonal eats here in Germany.

I like these repetitions. They are comforting; these familiar things connected to cycles of time ground me and give another frame to the time of life.

We mostly eat white asparagus, but the green variety is getting more popular and is more available. But only this time of year. Seasons matter.

Anyway, there's just lots of Spargel on the market between April and mid-June. The prices this year are a bit low, it seems - between €1.75 and €3.50 per pound depending on the size and grading. We prefer the smaller ones, so that's a good deal for us.

And since it is a ritual, there are the ritual accoutrements. Here's the peeled white asparagus in the basket that goes with the asparagus steamer.

And here, the asparagus servers, a Christmas gift from Michelle a couple of years back. There's also an asparagus platter, and a butter warmer. Last year we bought asparagus salt and pepper shakers, but we gave those to friends as a gift.

This is the standard meal: steamed asparagus, cold sliced hams, boiled fresh potatoes. Here we have air-cured ham (a German variety of prosciutto), smoked boiled ham. Melted butter for the asparagus and potatoes. Sprinkle some chopped parsley around. Eat. Enjoy.

It is such a simple dinner and so satisfying. Soul soothing.

Nevertheless, there is a calorie or two in this yummy meal and a walk afterwards is not a bad idea.