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What is Lebkuchen? Lebkuchen are German Christmas Cookies!

November 8, 2018

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It’s a pretty common question this time of year… What is Lebkuchen? is it like Gingerbread? The answer is yes… sort of. When someone offers you a Lebkuchen cookie, you shouldn’t expect a snappy gingerbread man. Lebkuchen is not crispy or crunchy…and it tends to be round or rectangular (seldom person shaped). It’s a rich, […]

Advent Season in Germany

Countdown to Christmas With a Playmobil Advent Calendar

November 5, 2018

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. One year when my kids were little, their Oma gave them a Playmobil Advent Calendar. This had to be the exciting HIT of the Season. Imagine, every day, a box containing a little Playmobil part would be opened (they took turns… ) and the piece would be added to the scene that was developing […]

Games and Toys

Start a Family Tradition- Ravensburger Christmas Puzzles

November 3, 2018

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Every year we bring out a new Ravensburger Christmas Puzzle to work on during the days and nights leading up to Christmas. A table is set up, and the pieces are sorted (edge verses middle)… and off we go. Ravensburger …the German company based in Ravensburg… makes high quality puzzles with beautiful Christmas images. They […]

Celebrating German Culture in America

What is a Stutenkerl? Is it the same as a Weckmann?

November 1, 2018

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On November 11, children in Germany celebrate St Martin’s Day by parading with Lanterns, and munching on a Stutenkerl, also known as Weckmann or Kiepenkerl. But… What IS a Stutenkerl? What is a Weckmann? Are they the same thing? It turns out, these baked men… like a sweetened yeast dough version of a Gingerbread […]

German Products I Love

Find the BEST German Slippers and House Shoes for Men

October 25, 2018

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HAFLINGER Clog | Travel Classic, Navy It has taken a little convincing, but I finally convinced my American guy that he should be wearing German house shoes in the house… and not just socks. Growing up in a German house-hold, we always had house shoes that we slipped into when we came inside. These weren’t […]

German Candy

All About Ritter Sport Chocolate Bars! (and a Visit to Bunte Schokowelt!)

October 14, 2018

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“Quadratisch Praktisch Gut”…. Square Practical Good… I can’t think of a more German slogan for a company than the one used for Ritter Sport Chocolate bars. Ritter Sport bars are famously square, so it’s the perfect size for your pocket (practical!) And good… That might be a vast understatement. Now, you don’t find Ritter Sport […]

German School Days

Is Kindergarten German? Learn all about Kindergarten History!

October 10, 2018

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Is Kindergarten German? YES! the “Garden of Children” or Kindergarten, sprung from the mind of Friedrich Fröbel, based around the idea that young children are like flowers, or small plants, and with the right nurturing and care, they can grow to be productive adults. His education system for young people spread around world, and most […]

Book and Movie Reviews

The German Cookbook by Alfons Schuhbeck- My Review

October 2, 2018

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The German Cookbook Recently the people at Phaidon Publishing asked me to take a look at The German Cookbook… and wow, I’m impressed. Alfons Schubeck’s collection of over 500 authentic German recipes brings together all the different regional dishes in one (heavy) comprehensive book. You won’t just find the standard Rouladen, Sauerbraten, Schnitzel Recipes that […]

Oktoberfest

All About Oktoberfest -Oktoberfest History, Traditions, Food and More!

September 29, 2018

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When summer draws to an end, it’s time to think about Fall Festivals in Germany. And the BIGGEST Fall Festival is, Oktoberfest. People from all over the world decend on Munich to celebrate this crazy fun event! And… these days, Oktoberfest celebrations are popping up all over the world. Rather than have people searching for […]

German Foods and Recipes

Recipe for Soft German Pretzels (without Lye)

September 25, 2018

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While I’ve always known that German Pretzels exist, I had them at Fairs or Karneval and such, it wasn’t until I went to Munich that I discovered just how central Soft German Pretzels are to daily life in Bavaria. This isn’t just Oktoberfest Food… Soft Pretzels are found in the Bread Basket … right along […]

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