Just about all the ingredients to
make a perfect ‘All-American’ picnic come from German origins.
There is the hot dog, wiener, or a Frankfurter; a pork sausage that
originated in 13th century Germany. We also cannot forget the Brats
or Bratwurst and Knackwurst, both great grilled. All of these washed
down with a chilled beer, while not originating in Germany, was
certainly made popular there many years ago.
Ketchup was developed by Heinz, and Mayonnaise, developed by
Hellman, both German immigrants. Some of those items are based off
earlier recipes (Ancient Rome: ketchup; France: mayonnaise) but the
favorites eaten today are definitely German.
Then, of course, there is the Potato Salad. There are many different
versions to this dish, one of the most popular variations is the
traditional German potato salad.