Mothers are special for many reasons. To celebrate the special women in our lives, the Sunday Supper bloggers are sharing recipes for moms. How great to showcase what we would make for, with, or in honor of our moms. I chose spaetzle (spätzle) which are German egg noodles because of a few reasons. One is because it is something my mom has made for years and it is a family favorite. Two is because my mom gave me a spaetzle press
for Christmas and I wanted to use it. Third, and above all, was having my mom to teach me how to make it.
It is important to document family recipes. Cooking or baking with the one who makes it is the best thing to do. Trying to re-create a recipe after that person is gone can be quite difficult. There are little nuances and pieces of advice that get lost. Such as with this recipe. My mom gave it to me a long time ago. One of the instructions was “until the dough makes bubbles”. What it really should say is to stir it to incorporate air and give the appearance of bubbles. The dough does not bubble on its own. I would never have figured that out if she wasn’t there explaining it along the way.
My mom and dad would make spaetzle together. It was a team effort and I can see why. It would be difficult to press, cut, and stir all by yourself. It can be done however having one person press and the other person cut and stir is much easier. My dad is the one who thought of stirring in a little butter to the finished noodles to keep them from sticking together. The extra flavor it adds is nice too. It was a fun time cooking with my mom. Now I’m glad I know how to make the German egg noodles I have enjoyed all my life.
Have you made and documented a family recipe lately? I hope you will take the time to cook with a relative and write down all the details. Besides, it makes cooking even more fun. Pass those cherished recipes on and keep that history alive with future generations.
Spaetzle (Spätzle) German Egg Noodles
Ingredients
- 7 large eggs
- 500 grams bleached all-purpose flour by weight, about 4 cups
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons water
- Butter at room temperature
Instructions
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Get a large pot of water with a strainer insert to a boil. Rub a thin coat of oil to the inside of a spaetzle press to prevent dough from sticking.
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Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly. Add the flour, salt, and water. Use a wooden spoon to mix together the ingredients.
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Continue to mix the ingredients from bottom up in a circular pattern to incorporate air into the mixture for about 4 minutes.
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Fill the spaetzle press about two-thirds full of dough.
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Press it over the boiling water, stopping when the dough is about an inch long. Use a knife to cut the dough from the press. Stir after each cutting.
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Cook the spaetzle for two minutes. It will be floating on the top. Lift the strainer insert out of the water and drain the spaetzle.
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Pour the cooked spaetzle into a dish. Add a little butter, about a teaspoon or two, and stir to melt the butter to keep the spaetzle from sticking.
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Repeat cooking process in batches with remaining dough.
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Serve immediately or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freeze. Spaetzle can be re-heated in the microwave (defrost first).
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To re-heat: Microwave on high at 30 second intervals until warm.
The Mother’s Day fun continues. The Sunday Supper bloggers have special posts to share. I can’t wait to read all the wonderful mom stories and recipes. Join me in taking a look at them:
Mother’s Day Brunch:
- Blueberry Coffee Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cornbread Pancakes with Blackberries from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Crepes from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Hot N Sweet Mango Chutney from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Lemon Glazed Raspberry Scones from Juanita’s Cocina
- Quiche Lorraine from Supper for a Steal
- Seafood Quiche from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Strawberry Rhubarb Compote from Noshing with the Nolands
- Sweet French Breakfast Crepes from Curious Cuisiniere
- Vidalia Onion Quiche from Comfy Cuisine
Mother’s Day Entrees:
- Cod with Stewed Tomatoes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches with Herbed Goat Cheesefrom Foxes Love Lemons
- Lemon Risotto with Seared Scallops from Healthy. Delicious.
- Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp Caper Sauce from Family Foodie
- Pork dumpling (Shumai) from The Urban Mrs.
Mother’s Day Sides:
- Spaetzle from Magnolia Days
Mother’s Day Desserts:
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Gotta Get Baked
- Chocolate Kahlua Cream Pie from Ruffles & Truffles
- Espresso Brownies from What Smells So Good?
- Fresh Blackberry Elderflower Sorbet from Shockingly Delicious
- Fresh Fig and Walnut Pie from Vintage Kitchen
- Gluten Free Coconut Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Berries, and Fresh Whipped Cream from Neighborfood
- Lavender Shortbread Cookies from girlichef
- Lemon Meringue Pie from Pies and Plots
- Lemon Petit Fours from Home Cooking Memories
- Milky Way Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Mini Strawberry and Cheese Pies from Basic N Delicious
- Mom’s Apple Crisp from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Mom’s Texas Sheetcake from Daily Dish Recipes
- Raspberry and Hazlenut Friands from Happy Baking Days
- Semolina Balls (Suji Laddoo) from Soni’s Food
- Too-Good-to-Be-Lowfat Chocolate Eclair Icebox Dessert from The Weekend Gourmet
Mother’s Day Beverages:
- Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement
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The Ninja Baker says
You’re so right, Renee! Cooking with loved ones is a gift. Neither my mom nor step-mom care for the kitchen but I cherish my memories of learning from my nanny and grandmother. How wonderful that you were able to share time with your parents for this post. And how wonderful that your readers are the lucky recipients of your spaetzle recipe!
Renee says
Thanks Kim. I hope you make your nanny and grandmother’s recipes too. It would be a great time in the kitchen for sure.
Hezzi-D says
I love any kind of noodles and I’m sure these would be no exception! I’ve recently been making my own pasta and this one is going on the list. I love that your mom and dad used to make this recipe together-cute!
Renee says
It’s an easy pasta too. No rolling out and drying.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
People sometimes think recipes have parts missing, and it´s just practice with many of them, just like you say, the little nuances of a recipe. I love spaetzle, love it! I think it´s the best thing for stews, and I do make them on my own many times. I should probably teach my mom how to make them for me, ja! Happy mother´s day Renee!
Renee says
Now I need to try them in a stew. I’ve always only had it as a side dish. Thanks for that idea!
Liz says
I love seeing others’ family recipes. And weren’t our mothers full of wisdom? Even before the Internet! Your spaetzel looks fantastic, Renee!
Renee says
Yes, our mothers are full of wisdom. I have learned so much about cooking and lots of other things from her.
a french girl "cuisine" says
I leave in switzerland and we eat also a lot of spätzle. Great recipe!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Your spaetzle looks amazing! This is one dish I have to make!
Katy says
Very true about documenting recipes or learning how to make them – my Mum’s recipe books are full of vague measures and hastily scribbled notes, some of which I understand, but others that only she does! This looks like a lovely dish – I really need to try making my own pasta sometime!
Renee says
I hope you are able to figure out all your family’s recipes. It would be so great to see them on your blog too.
Heather @girlichef says
What lovely memories and tribute to your mom today, Renee! I love spaetzle and actually have been craving it lately. You’ve inspired me to make some very, very soon!
Renee says
Thanks Heather! Hurry up and satisfy your craving soon.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
Delicious! I adore spaetzle, but I don’t have the patience to make it very often. I remember my mom making it once and well, it wasn’t pretty. Lots of yelling because she wasn’t do it right (ie the way my dad’s mother made it)
Renee says
It is easier to make it when you have a helper. I know I would not want to try it alone.
Bea says
Yay!!! I love Spaetzle the regional dish of Swabia “my” region at home 🙂 Am so glad to hear that you spent time with your Mom to make them. And yes, the dough has to be bubbly and to me also as to fall heavy off the spoon 🙂
Your Spaetzle look fantastic!!! Yum!!!
Renee says
I like your description of falling heavy off the spoon. My mom would pick up the spoon a few times and see how it fell off.
Cindys Recipes says
I love making all kinds of homemade noodles!
Nicole @ Daily Dish Recipes says
This looks absolutely delicious Renee. Can you believe I’ve never had Spaetzle before? I need to change that, because this sounds heavenly. Enjoy your day today hon!
Renee says
Yes, you do need to change that soon. You will love spaetzle!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Mmmmmmmm this looks SO delicious!!!!
Tara says
I love spaetzle!! I have a spaetzle maker and need to pull that out again for sure, thanks for the recipe and inspiration!!
Renee says
For sure Tara, dust off that spaetzle press and use it again soon.
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
Yum! Been FAR too long since I’ve had spatzle. So nummy
Alex says
Hallo! I am an American living in Germany and had KaeseSpaetzle for Mother’s Day dinner here! (though my Partner and I have no children)
If you haven’t had your Spaetzle with Kaese (cheese) you totally should! We chop up a large yellow or white onion, throw it in a pan with a bit of olive oil and a little pat of butter (real butter) and let the onions start to sweat and brown. Then in goes the Spaetzle and a good handful each of Emmantaler and young Gouda til it all melts and the cheese starts to brown just a little in places.
It is like Mac and cheese, only so much better. I encourage you to try that with your homemade Spaetzle, I am sure you will love it as much as I do!
Renee says
Yes, I have had KaeseSpaetzle many times. It is so common in Germany and I have been there to visit family often. Next time I make spaetzle I will be sure to use some to make it too.
Carmen says
I’m married with a german one 🙂 I love Splätze!!!!
Renee says
Thanks Carmen!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
One of our favorite dishes! My German grandmother was a spaetzle wiz and now I make them for Brian. Yummy.
Renee says
Thanks Anita! Good to see someone else loves spaetzle as much as I do. (and my family too).
foodwanderings says
You are so right. Liz, the nuances are the true artistry. So happy you had a chance to spend so much time with your mom cooking to pick up and learn those. Great spaetzle recipe I was looking for one. Is it also Hungarian, or a different version?
Renee says
I believe most all the European spaetzle recipes are similar. I’m not sure of Hungarian ones though.
foodwanderings says
Sorry Renee, I just came from Liz’s blog and as I hit send I realized Liz always posts desserts. I knew I was on your site but am on a roll visiting and reading blogs this am, hence the name mix up. I hope you understand. Getting a lot of reading accomplished this morning. 🙂
Renee says
That’s okay Shulie! I get names mixed up sometimes too. So many great blogs to visit.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee,
I love this post and recipe! Love that you shared a family recipe, one that your mother taught you. . and I’ve said this before. . but I really love that your parents cooked together. . mine did too. . it was so great to see both of them in the kitchen! 🙂
I’ve never had spaetzle before but it looks delicious!!!
Renee says
Thanks Alice and it’s good that your parents cooked together too. It is such a great learning experience when growing up and being the helper in the kitchen.
Peggy says
What a great collection of Mother’s Day recipes! This spaetzle looks so good =)
Renee says
Thanks Peggy and I agree it is a wonderful collection of recipes.
Soni says
This looks like something I would really enjoy!These family recipes are treasures and its a great idea to document them!I’m going to do it too 🙂
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
I started my blog to document my mom’s recipes! Obviously it has grown to include more!
I’ve always wanted to make spaetzle! Not sure where to get a press, but is there something else we can use to make the noodles?
Renee says
The spaetzle press my mom gave me was from Amazon (and it shipped from Germany). I updated my post with a link to the item. Some people use colanders or graters but I have not tried either of those methods.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
Beautiful spaetzle! It’s so much fun to make recipes that have been handed down through the family. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Renee, I’ve never had spatzle before but now I’m dying to try it! I’m so glad you were able to get your mother’s recipe so that you can recreate her dish. There are so many things that my mom makes that are uber traditional and I have NO idea how to make them. Or I’ll try to recreate dishes from recipes I’ve transcribed from her (because none of them are in writing – they’re all in her head), and it’ll never taste as good as my mom’s. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Renee says
I hope you are able to recreate your mom’s dishes. And be sure to post them on your blog too!
Patti says
I’m happy you posted this Renee! Love to have authentic recipes, especially those from Eastern Europe. So happy you had your best teacher with you! I tried them a few times using a colander to pass the dough through. Hope you had a great day!
Renee says
I’ve never tried the colander method. It may make the noodles a different shape or thickness.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
I have never had Spaetzle. There is a German restaurant nearby and I think I need to go sample a few dishes to find out how they are supposed to taste before I attempt at home. This one looks so yummy. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop eating.
Renee says
Yes! Please do go visit the German restaurant and try the spaetzle. Make sure they can serve it plain. A lot of places add cheese and onions (which is good) but you need to try it without first.
Susan says
I love that you still cook with your mom and she’s teaching you family recipes. What great memories to have and cherish. I love spaetzle but don’t have a maker, I usually do the colander thing which results in much smaller noodles.
Renee says
You should get a spaetzle press. It will make a big difference. My mom got mine on Amazon.
Family Foodie says
What a nice story for Mother’s Day! Such great memories! I love using my mother’s Portuguese recipes, and it is great that you document your mothers recipes. The spaetzle looks delish!
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
I love that your Mom and Dad make this together, that’s very sweet and a wonderful memory. It certainly is a two-person job. I wish I had a spatezle press. I tried to make it a few years back by pressing the dough through the holes on a colander. Let’s just say….that didn’t work. At all. And was a huge mess 🙂
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Haven’t had that in years, and now I want it tonight! Great recipe for #SundaySupper!
Katie says
I love that you learned by making dishes with your family as well! I was definitely taught in the kitchen by my mother, and there are just some things that you can’t read in recipes – you have to experience it yourself in a hands-on way!
Renee says
The hands-on is the best way!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
You are so right about documenting family recipes. My family is full of great cooks, and I definitely want to make sure I capture all their recipes and am able to pass them on to my own children.
Marie says
I agree with you about the importance of keeping family recipes going…my great-grandmother made spaetzle, which she served with a purple cabbage dish. I had forgotten about that until I read your recipe. I will definitely be making these for my family. Thanks for the recipe.
Renee says
My family serves it with the purple cabbage too. They seem to go together so well.