Last night was the 7th annual Oktober Fest at our house and we had 20 people for it. Not the smallest we’ve ever had, but definitely not the biggest either - a few years ago we had more than 40 people join us.

No matter. Every year we provide a keg of local beer, German brats with fixings, and some food. And then we ask everyone to bring something to share. This year, as part of the Dark Days Challenge, I decided to go as close to 100% local as I could on the things that we served. And I came pretty close! I didn’t ask guests to bring local only as that seemed a bit out of character for a house party.

I spent the morning visiting the Marshland Produce Market and Central Market to gather my local ingredients including brats, buns, apples, veggies, potatoes, wine, cheese, crackers and more. Then I came home to turn my bounty into food for 25 people…

We boiled the brats in a 1/2 beer, 1/2 water mix to precook them and give them flavor. Then I made the best potato salad I’ve ever made - recipe when I’ve got time. I made a huge veggie tray with homemade blue cheese dressing for dipping. Apples with warm caramel sauce. And cheese and crackers. We drank Washington wines and had a 1/4 barrel of Austrian Ale from the Diamond Knot.

The food was great, the company was excellent. We lucked out on the weather and had a crisp clear fall evening to enjoy the patio and a fire outside, and the warmth of candles inside.