„Abendbrot“ is a German word that can be translated literally as “evening bread”. It's the typical evening meal in many parts of Germany, though I note that the German Wikipedia redirects to „Abendessen“ (evening meal), not quite the same thing. But to quote that page:

The warm main meal of the day in Germany is eaten at midday, while in the early evening as the last meal of the day bread with cheese or sausage and cold or warm drinks are usual.

And that's what I'm talking about on this page. It sounds boring, and it can be, but with the right ingredients it can be very tasty, and we've gradually taken to eating an Abendbrot once a week. It's not easy in Australia, since the main ingredients aren't readily available. Yes, of course there's bread, cheese and sausage (called “cold cuts” in Australia), but the quality is frequently abysmal. We've come to the following compromise:

• Cheese: European-style cheeses such as Gouda, Jarlsberg or Emmental. The cheese called “Swiss” in Australia can also be acceptable. Imported cheeses tend to be better than the Australian-made copies. French cheeses are also good if you can find them.

• Sausage: very little choice. Most Italian sausage types are suitable, also salami (even Australian-made ones are acceptable). Then things like Leberwurst and French-style terrines.

• Ham, preferably cold-smoked. There are plenty of Italian varieties available, also occasionally German varieties. At a pinch hot-smoked Australian ham is also acceptable.

• Preserved fish, such as sardines and Scandinavian or German specialties such as Bismarckhering or Rollmops.

• Bread: the standard German bread is „Roggenmischbrot“ (rye mix bread; the “mix” implies less than 50% of wheat flour), which I bake myself, since it's not available in Australia. Also black bread, when we can get it—our source at the German Cake Shop in Hahndorf has unfortunately dropped greatly in quality, and we won't buy any more. One easily available kind is Knäckebrot, called Ryvita in Australia. It tastes reasonably authentic.

• I drink wine with the Abendbrot, not quite typical. Yvonne does it right and drinks beer.