All I Käsk(nöpfle) Of You

NATIONAL DISH OF LIECHTENSTEIN - Käsknöpfle

So we are getting closer to Christmas, and you know what that means: PRESENTS! With The Molefaces being a rather large bunch, we chose to do Kris Kringle instead of buying everyone gifts. Some like to give gift suggestions, but not me. I believe that if you know me well enough, then I will be WAY easy to buy for. For the past 2 years Lady Leah has had the noble task of procuring a gift for moi, and although I do get a lot of use out of my overnight Man bag, poor Pictionary is still in the wrapper. So this year I was greatly disappointed that Leah had not picked me, but I needn't of worried.

After I had given Theresa her excellent gift, it was time for mine. Mark George handed me a largely wrapped parcel that had me confounded as to what it would be. After unwrapping it I noticed it was a leather satchel, which in itself was an awes gift, but on the front of this particular satchel was an image of Tintin. For those who are not familiar with the Belgian super sleuth, educate yourself NOW! And for those who are not aware of my adulation for the adventurous reporter, needless to say I jumped in the air and smothered MG with appreciative hugs. For me, Tintin borders on idol status!

Anyways, back to the cooking. For Moleface KK we had to bring a dish and I brought along Käsknöpfle from Liechtenstien. Basically it's boiled dumplings made from flour, that are then mixed with cheese and topped with fried onion. Sound delicious? I thought so too, until I read the suggested cheese was Gruyere. Let's just say it belongs on the list of foods that I would not throw a parade for! With the pungent smell of the Gruyere, I don't think many of the Molefaces partook let alone appreciated the national dish of this tiny principality.

So enjoy, or as they say in Liechtenstein, Guten Appetit! (Das ist German)




The recipe I used, but have since found better ones: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/miscellaneous/fetch-recipe.php?rid=misc-kasknopfle

Difficulty:       3 

Appearance:  3 

Taste:             2 

TOTAL:          8

The hardest process in cooking Käsknöpfle was creating  the tiny dumplings. I used a strainer and found that to be slightly difficult. I suggest using a flat grater that has a sliding attachment. I saw someone use it to make Käsknöpfle on Youtube, and it seemed more efficient.

Now I hope to not offend any Liechtensteiners, but I plan to give an honest account of my experience. This dish did not look very appealing. This could be mainly due to the overpowering smell of the Gruyere.

I tried a mouthful of the Käsknöpfle and unfortunately could have no more. I really am not a fan of Gruyere. Having said that I promise that I will try this dish once more but with the use of other cheeses.