German State Dinner Menu: Spring Harvest and James Taylor
By: Becky Bracken
Published: June 7, 2011

The White House Kitchen Garden provided much of the produce and herbs for the German State Dinner menu which will celebrate the first harvest of spring. 
The menu is simple and represents specialites from several regions in the U.S. For instance, the tuna is from Obama's birthplace, Hawaii, and the main course features Maryland blue crab and wild ramp from West Virgina. 
In another clever homage to both Germany and the U.S., for dessert, an apple strudel made with tart Maryland apples, California rasins and topped with topfern, a Vermont cheese and served with a dollop of  schlag, an unsweetened, whipped cream. 
Wouldn't you love to try the White House Chopped Salad? 
White House German State Dinner Menu 
White House Garden Chopped Salad
	Fine Herbs
	White House Honey Gastrique
	Tuna Tartare with Rye Crisps
	Pickled Young Carrots and Mustard Oil
	Spring Pea Salad
	Shaved Ham and Ginger Snaps
	Petite Filet
	With Maryland Crab Ravioli
	Wild Ramp Puree
	Apple Strudel
	Golden Raisins and Topfen
	An American wine will be paired with each course.
 
>>More about ramps and ramp recipes on Foodista 
The German State Dinner will be held on the Rose Garden Lawn and guests, including the guest of honor, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will enjoy musical performances from members of the National Symphony Orchestra, 15-year old piano protégé George Li and singer/songwriter James Taylor. James Taylor!