Spitzenberger’s Book, It Must Be the Noodles, Just Out

It Must Be the Noodles is a whimsical recollection of Ray Spitzenberger’s memories of growing up Wendish in rural Central Texas, centered on the food and stories dished up at his mother’s kitchen table. From Mama facing off against her pugnacious rooster, Smarty Pants, to her homemade wine’s hot air balloon ride across the kitchen, these heartwarming and humorous tales take you on a journey through the major food groups of a Wendish kitchen (pickles, noodles, cheese, pecans, and, of course, firewater).

Many of the recollections were first published in Spitzenberger’s newspaper column in the East Bernard Express, and, at least one, in his column, “It Must Be the Noodles,” in the Texas Wendish Heritage Society Newsletter. Each chapter is illustrated with original pen and ink drawings by the author and each contains several family recipes from “Mama’s” recipe box. The book’s final chapter is a long, narrative poem, written by Spitzenberger as a tribute to his Wendish great grandfather, Johann Gottlieb Zschech.

The book was designed by the author’s daughter, Rae Ann Spitzenberger, who is currently Art Director for a major publishing company in New York. A limited number of copies are available for purchase in our gift shop, thanks to Ray’s generous donation. Cost is $13 plus shipping. In addition, the book is available on amazon.com for $12.99.

Ray Spitzenberger is a retired college speech and English teacher, a retired LC-MS pastor, and long-time member of the Texas Wendish Heritage Society.