Last night we hosted a half dozen American executives, here for a housing conference.  We decided upon a (mostly) German family-style menu:

Brats and Brotchen

Cream cheese and sour cream mashed potatoes

coleslaw

relish trays

a sampling of German cookies

and the hit of the evening, Alannah's Schwarzwalder Kirche-Torte (Black Forest Cake)

As is usual in this home, there were many adaptations and substitutions.  She doctored up a box mix (meringue powder or extra egg whites are her trick to light yet crumb-less, sturdy layers) and cherry pie filling since we were short on time.  I believe she flavored the cherry filling with almond extract. Then assembled the whole per the directions on the recipe link.