One of the most baked cakes in Germany is an Apple Cake. You find them in every cafe and at any Kaffee Klatsch with more than two cakes; generally, one will be an apple cake. It’s the cake many German home-bakers learn first. In the same way that there is a Potato Salad recipe for every region (and for every…
Author: karenanne
The Passion Play of Oberammergau- History and how YOU can see it!
The Passion Play of Oberammergau holds a special place in German history. Part Pilgrimage part spectacle, every 10 years this amazing event brings over 450,000 visitors to the small mountain town of Oberammergau in Bavaria. Over four months, the locals (and yes, it’s only locals, not professional actors) stage 103 Performances that last over 5 hours!. But what is the…
What to do with Red Currants! Recipes and Growing Tips
Years ago, I was in Germany with my kids, staying with my Aunt and Uncle. At the time, my youngest was only four and was absolutely enchanted by my Tante’s kitchen garden. She was especially enamored with the Red Currants, Johannisbeeren. Every day, she went to the kitchen to ask for “her” little clear plastic bowl, and she’d go into…
East Frisian Tea and the Famous Ostfriesentee Ceremony
While my American friends grew up drinking milk or water with their dinner, we drank tea. Germans drink a lot of tea, Black Tea, Hagebutte (Rose Hip), Chamomile, and Fenchel (fennel). But NO Germans drink as much tea as the Ostfriesen or East Frisians. It’s hard to imagine, but they consume an average of 300 liters of East Frisian Tea…
Nachtisch- My Favorite Way to End the Meal
In our house, Nachtisch was almost as crucial as Abendessen, Dinner, and warmes Mittagsessen, a warm Midday Meal in Germany. At least it was for us kids. What is Nachtisch? Nachtisch means “after table”, so Nachtisch is dessert! (Not to be confused with Nachttisch, the bedside table.) Our world seems so focused on reducing calories or eliminating treats, so…
German Literature Classics made Easy- Klassiker für Kinder
Growing up, I learned conversational German, “at home” German, the basics that could get me through most everyday situations smoothly, and have nice chats with my Oma. My everyday German reading skills were similar. As a child, I devoured books in English and German, and I still feel comfortable with popular novels, mystery stories, and Cookbooks. But, I was…
German Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe- Heidelbeerkuchen
This German Blueberry Cheesecake contains a KILO of blueberries! And as you know, the best part about German cakes with fruit, besides that they are delicious, is that since they contain FRUIT, you can imagine that they are healthy to eat. Therefore, you may have another slice without feeling one bit of guilt. Ok, sure, this is a German blueberry…
German Clubs in North America- Find a German club Near You!
There is an old joke: “If you get three Germans in a room, and they will come out with five Clubs.” Seriously, Germans love to gather, which means one of the best ways to connect with other Germans is by joining German Clubs. But you ask yourself, “How do I find a German Club near me?” I went looking and…
Brown Signs on the Autobahn- Notable sights in Germany
I’m the kind of person who loves roadside attractions. If a sign says “Biggest Ball of Yarn” or “Caves of Wonder,” I’m telling the driver to PULL OVER! So you can imagine my delight (and my family’s frustration) when I discovered the Brown Signs on the Autobahn pointing out German Tourist attractions! Everywhere are signs pointing out Sehenswürdigkeiten (things worthy…