German immigrants helped build the United States through their labor, their ingenuity, and their sheer determination. Many of these German settlers from the East Coast to the Midwest used brick masonry in the construction of their buildings as the material is known for its beauty and durability.

Food is central to every culture, and different regions or even localities are often renowned for traditional dishes and ingredients. How have Germany’s unique history with independent principalities, and its geography ranging from the coastal plains of the north to the Alps in the south influenced what we call German food today?