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…
Author: karenanne
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 important (at least for kids) as Abendessen (Dinner) and warmes Mittagsessen (warm Midday Meal in Germany). 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 doing away with treats, so it might…
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…
German Shop 24 Product Reviews- German Shopping Online
Recently Germanshop24 approached me, and asked if I would like to do regular reviews of some of their products. Since I do much of my German Shopping online… and already order many of my favorite items from them… I am MORE than happy to share German Shop 24 Product Reviews. GermanShop24 carries HUNDREDS of items… from food to cleaning…
My Favorite German Cookbooks in GERMAN
My cookbook shelf is bi-lingual, and I reach for specific cookbooks for different recipes (or when I’m doing research). In the past I’ve shared my favorite German Cookbooks in English… and now it’s time to share my favorite Cookbooks in German. I realize that not everyone visiting my website speaks or reads German. (Honestly, a cookbook is a great resource…