THE SEARCH FOR GOOD German food just doesn’t seem to end. Shortly after the announcement that Volkswagen was moving to town, I asked readers where we could find good German food, knowing that there was no place in Chattanooga and hoping that the German car manufacturer’s announcement would encourage someone to open a German eatery close to home. None so far, but it’s still very early. However, e-mails continue to dribble in with suggestions.

Lynn Dwight of Chattanooga is from Milwaukee, which has a large German population and, therefore, many German restaurants. Since moving to the South, she’s had trouble finding good German food, she said.

“There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned bratwurst, not a Johnsonville, but real brats, with sauerkraut and mustard,” she said. “Oh, it makes me hungry for one right now.”

She turns to the Internet to find the meats she can cook at home.

“Anyone looking for authentic German meats can check out www.usingers.com They have a fun Web site to look at, explaining all the different meats and how they are made. They will ship anything, from bratwurst to yachtwurst to beerwurst to landyagers. I have ordered quite a few times and never been disappointed. It’s nice to know there is an authentic German store that will ship when you get that craving! I’ve even had friends here say, ‘Next time you order, order extra for me.’ ”

Now, onto another tip from Dale Elmblade of Soddy-Daisy. He said the Web site for the Gasthaus Restaurant in Manchester, Tenn., (http://gasthaus.baronphork.com) offers a $1-off coupon. While there, check out the menu as well.

LODGE MANUFACTURING, which makes cast-iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tenn., never ceases to amaze me with its creative edge in keeping cast-iron products up to date. At one time, most kitchens had only one cast-iron skillet, likely passed down through generations of cooks since cast iron lasts forever.

So what did Lodge do to keep up with modern cookware companies? The company made a line of cast iron, Lodge Logic, that needs no seasoning. Then they added a gorgeous Signature series with eye-catching stainless-steel handles that also needs no seasoning.

Next came a line of colorful enamel cast-iron dishes. No longer did cast-iron skillets need to be kept out of sight. These are meant to display but are tough enough to do the most serious cooking tasks.

Now Lodge introduces its new mini serving line.

“Trends throughout the food industry show that smaller portions, from appetizers to smaller entrees and Spanish-style tapas, are growing in popularity,” Lodge chairman and CEO Bob Kellermann said.

Like all of the new seasoned cast-iron products, dishes in this line can be used on the stovetop, in the oven or for outdoor cooking. And the prices are extremely reasonable.

There are five pieces in the new collection — a 14-ounce round dish ($12); a 9-ounce oval mini server ($12); a 10-ounce rectangular server ($12); and a clever 12-ounce rectangular server that’s divided into three sections ($15).

Check it out at www.lodgemfg.com.

IN THE NEWS: People in Ooltewah will be sad to hear of the closing of a beloved restaurant, The Kreme House. It’s been a favorite eating place for several decades, known for its country cooking and homemade desserts. But good food has given way to the opening of another bank in the area. Congratulations to the staff for a job well done.

WHILE I WAS GETTING groceries last week, my checker saw a number of baking items and asked what I was making this time. It was a birthday cake for two of my daughters. Nice that they’re older now and don’t complain about sharing a cake. I told my favorite Save-A-Lot associate that it was for one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever had, thanks to Cindy Pare of Signal Mountain whom I consider one of the best bakers and cooks in the city. To support this fact, I served a piece of it to my daughter’s apartment mate, who isn’t a big fan of cake.

“This is the best cake I have ever had,” she said, with an empty cake plate in front of her.

I believe I’ve run this recipe before, but it’s been awhile and is worth another showing.

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