Basket full of summer

by Gina Hutchins-Inman
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Summer is here! A wonderful time for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying nature. A cool walk through the forest may lead you past raspberries, blackberries or blueberries. Markets are full of fresh fruit with juicy red strawberries, shiny bright cherries, dazzling green and red apples, bright yellow pears or fuzzy orange peaches and apricots. Gardens overflow with red and black currents, ripe red tomatoes and homegrown cucumbers, zucchini and rhubarb with a reddish hue.

Just imagining a basket full of these vitamin bombs, and what you can do with them, is sure to let your mouth water!

So, for strawberry (or cherry) pickin’ sake: Grab a bucket, a pocket full of Euro coins, and get out there with family and friends to savor the goodies of the season and pick the fruits yourself! There are several options within a 30 km radius of Kaiserslautern, where you can “pick-your-own” strawberries, cherries and even flowers.

Strawberries, such as at Erdbeerland near Eisenberg/Pfalz. Bring your own basket or buy one on-site, there is free parking and signs posted when coming off A6. Further sites are near Kaiserslautern East, one close to Rodenbach and one near Landstuhl, just follow the “Erdbeeren” signs. Some of these booths also sell fresh raspberries and blueberries.

Cherries can be found at Obsthof Michl near Hirschhorn, and Kirschplantage am Diensberg near Winnweiler. It’s always best to bring your own container and a bit of cash to pay for the goods. Apples are ready to be picked at Appel Happel near Mainz.

Flower lovers can also experience the best time of the year, such as strolling through the lavender fields in full bloom around mid-June to July at Lavendelhof Wenz near Weilerbach. Blumenpfückgarten Bender is also near Weilerbach and offers an array of flowers from sunflowers, zinnias and gladiolas to other colorful summer flora. Sonnenblumenfeld Ramstein-Miesenbach has widespread sunflower fields and more.

Watch for signs and posters with “Erdbeeren, Blumen zum Selbstpflücken” along the roadside to discover further opportunities.

The German concept of “Hofladen” has also become rather popular in recent years. These small shops, often linked to agricultural estates, offer home-made goods from fruits, vegetables, honey, jams and jellies, oils and vinegar, pasta, regional eggs, cheese, and more.

One example is Freudenberger Hof near Zweibrücken, a family-owned business in the seventh generation. It offers strawberries, apples, cherries, red and black currents, and plums that can also be self-picked. Its Hofladen offers a wide selection of farm-made items.  “Haus der Nachhaltigkeit” near Trippstadt also operates a Hofladen with a similar selection. Keep a lookout for “Hofladen” road signs, often leading you to cozy and picturesque farmhouses and further discoveries.

Now that your basket is full of regional produce, it’s time to treat yourself to a few goodies. Fresh strawberries with a dash of whipped cream are delicious, but why not give it a try at jelly or jam? Or, how about making your own ice cream with fresh fruit! Easy recipes can be found on the internet.

German (summer) cakes are always a delicious afternoon snack. Here are two simple classic recipes you might want to try out:

German Kirschstreusel (Cherry crumble cake)

A tender, buttery cake base crowned with tart cherries and a crunchy streusel. Perfect for “Kaffee und Kuchen!”

Serves: 10–12 Prep time: 15 min Bake time: 35–40 min

Ingredients: 4 large eggs – 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar – 1⅓ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour – 1 tsp baking powder – ¼ tsp salt – 12 oz (350 g) pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen Morello) – ½ lb (225 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes – 2⅓ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour – (optional) powdered sugar for dusting.

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add 1⅓ cups flour, baking powder, and salt; mix just until smooth.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Scatter the pitted cherries over the top, pressing them slightly.

Make the streusel: in a separate bowl, combine the cold butter cubes, 2⅓ cups flour, and a handful of sugar. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a food processor to work the butter into the flour until large crumbs form.

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cherries. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into cake (not streusel) comes out clean.

Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

German Erdbeerbärmscher (Strawberry Cake)

A classic light sponge base topped with fresh strawberries and a shiny red glaze, without baking. Perfect for summer “coffee and cake”!

Serves: 10–12, Prep time: 20 min + chill time: 15–30 min

Ingredients: 150 g sugar, 1 Tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 “Tortenboden” (finished bottom, available at any supermarket), 200 ml water or red fruit juice (for the glaze) +1 package “Tortenguss” (e.g. Dr. Oetker), 500 g fresh strawberries, washed and cut into slices/pieces.

Instructions: Carefully place strawberries (or other fruit) onto the cake bottom. Heat glaze as instructed, slightly let it cool and then gently pour it over the fruits. Let the cake cool down for at least 15 – 20 minutes and then serve with a dash of whipped or ice cream.

Enjoy your cake with a good cup of coffee or tea, and make sure to decorate your table with your self-picked flowers too.

Guten Appetit!