Ingredients
1 Pork Shank, Unsmoked
1 Onion, Optional
1 Bottle of Beer per Shank
Salt
Pepper
Method
Each shank can serve one to two people, depending on how big the shank. Get the best shanks you can find, make sure they are not smoked (the typical smoked ham hocks will not make a good Schweinshaxe).
Slice the onions to make a bed in a roasting pan (almost any pan or casserole dish would work). Place the shanks on the onions, large end down so they are standing on end. Pour in a decent bottle of beer (one per shank). Salt and pepper the shanks.
Place in a 350 degree oven, uncovered, for 3-1/2 to 4 hours until the skin is crispy and brown.