A few years ago, while researching German Christmas practices, I picked up a book called “The Old Magic of Christmas” by Linda Raedisch. And then I found another of Linda’s books, “Night of the Witches,” about Walpurgisnacht. But it’s her latest book, “The Secret History of Christmas Baking : Recipes and Stories, from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys” that is…
Author: karenanne
Sheet Pan German Honey Cake- Honigkuchen vom Blech
When my parents moved this summer, my mother uncovered a treasure trove of handwritten recipes from friends and family members tucked away in a drawer. She and I resolved to decipher the old handwriting, make sense of the sometimes cryptic directions, and reproduce those old flavors. (Dad offered to help by tasting the bakes.) We are starting with a recipe…
Make Candied Citrus Peel for Baking
A few years ago I ran into a roadblock when starting my Christmas baking. For years my regular grocery store sold candied citrus peel all packed up and ready for me to use in Stollen, Lebkuchen, and Magenbrot. No more. The grocer told me that demand dropped over the years (and then he mumbled something about Fruitcake being yucky… I…
Germany’s got the Blues – All about Erfurt Blue & Prussian Blue
Before you get too far, I would like to make a short disclosure: This post is about the color blue, not the soulful music. (If you are interested in the role of Germany in Blues music… check out “Monika’s Blues: On the Trail of the German Harmonica and African-American Blues Culture” by former German Ambassador Herbert Quelle.) And now back to Germany’s Blues.…
Juicy Apple Cake – Saftiger Apfelkuchen LOADED with Apple
Yes, you do need another Apple Cake Recipe, and this rustic and Juicy Apple Cake is perfect for apple lovers (and moms who want to encourage their people to eat more fruit). Chunks of juicy apple keep the cake extra moist, and the crunchy cinnamon sugar topping adds sweetness. The cake looks a bit rustic, but the flavor will…
Chocolate and Dark Beer Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream
I know, I know… Chocolate and Dark Beer Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream are not STRICTLY German. (Or really, traditional German at all) BUT! They are tasty. And since I used a dark Erdinger Weissbier German Beer, these delicious treats count as Denglish. The recipe comes from one I used to bake for Irish friends using Stout beer (Guinness). I find…
Exploring German Heritage in Massachusetts
When you think of Massachusetts, the first thing that might come to mind is the rich tapestry of American history that’s woven into its cities and towns. But did you know that there’s also a strong German influence that’s left an indelible mark on its historical sites? From architecture to cuisine, German immigrants have greatly influenced the Bay State. They’ve left…
Order Authentic German Pretzels from the Bavarian Pretzel Company
Now you can enjoy tasty oven-fresh Bavarian Pretzels year-round without leaving home! The Bavarian Pretzel Company bakes traditional pretzels and ships them to you for finishing at home. The pretzels come out from the oven with a perfectly chewy crust, soft interior, and amazing flavor. Serve them for Brotzeit or at a gathering of friends on a Sunday afternoon… OR…
Anaheim’s German History- A German Home by the Santa Ana River
Most people don’t think about German-American history when they think about Southern California. Pennsylvania, of course, Wisconsin, naturally, but California? YES! Anaheim’s German History is a great story. The city of Anaheim began as a colony of Germans! (Yes, Anaheim, home to the House of Mouse). In 1857, 50 Germans, formed an association called the Los Angeles Vineyard Company and…
Herrencreme Recipe a “Gentleman’s” Pudding from the Münsterland
My childhood memory of Herrencreme is Oma making it as a special Sunday Nachtisch for Opa… and me getting Chocolate Pudding. Herrencreme or Gentleman’s Pudding is made with dark chocolate shavings and a generous amount of rum and therefore might be too “bitter” for children. (I don’t think Oma considered the rum inappropriate, she did give us Eierlikör on the…