Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? This Hugo drink recipe is simple enough for even the most inexperienced home bartender to make, yet it’s delightfully tasty. Think of it as a variation on a Mojito or a Wine Spritzer. The Hugo uses sparkling wine, mint, and Elderflower Syrup. The Elderflower imparts a special flavor, setting this drink…
Author: karenanne
German School Cones- Schultüte for the First Day of School
The Schultüte, German School cone, tradition goes back to the early 1800s in Germany. Leaving the childhood comforts of Kindergarten and moving on to “real school” can be a tough transition. So, on their first day of school when entering the first grade, children traditionally receive a cone-shaped bag, sometimes called a “Zuckertüte” (sugar bag), filled with treats and…
History of Hummel Figurines -Collecting German Hummel Figurines
Many people associate Germany with Hummel Figurines and presume that most Germans would collect them. While I was growing up, my mother always had just one Hummel Figurine displayed in her Living Room Schrank, a little girl walking with a basket. She told me her aunt gave it to her when she left Germany, so it had a special meaning.…
The Freistadt Alte Kameraden- A “Glorious” Display of Generosity
Proving their amazing generosity once again… the Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band raised $2400 for charity in one weekend of GermanFest… that’s $1000 more than last year! And it all goes to kids who need it. I’m proud to know these guys! Permission for all photos from Dale Blank The Freistadt Alte Kameraden and “Gloria” The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band…
Haribo Gummi Bears- All About Haribo Candy, and Where to Buy It!
The other day a friend of mine mentioned that she had gone to 4 different stores searching for her favorite flavor of Haribo candy. WHY? You can easily get Haribo Candy Online! There are loads of flavors, including her favorites, available…. and, better yet… You can even get the REAL GERMAN Haribo, not just the American versions. YUM!! Check out…
Gifts for a German Host Family- American Gifts as Mitbringsel
I think the question I get most often is one that many of us have wrestled with over the years… What to take along as a “Mitbringsel”? In other words… What are the best Gifts for a German Host Family? While you can never go wrong with flowers or a nice bottle, it is nice to bring something special…
Things to See in Trier Germany- Trier Roman Ruins and MORE
A few years ago I had the chance to spend a week in the Mosel River Valley and was able to enjoy some time in Trier. It’s one of the oldest cities in Germany and loaded with history. Since it is also pedestrian-friendly, our family was able to explore much of it on foot, and the kids were excited to visit…
What not to do in Germany- Tips for Enjoying German Culture
In many ways, Germany is very much like everywhere else, people generally put their pants on one leg at at time. BUT, some things are different, some things that the average American does every day are just not as acceptable in Germany. How do you know what to do? Here’s an almost complete lists of WHAT NOT TO DO IN…
Erdinger’s Raspberry Beer Punch Recipe – A German Weissbierbowle Recipe
I find that here in California, when I say “Beer Punch Recipe“, people look at me funny. In a world of craft and specialty beers, why would you mix in fruits and champagne? You know why? Because the flavor is out of this world delicious, and it’s quite refreshing on a warm day. A German Bowle, or German Punch Recipe,…
Your Favorite German Children’s Books, in English and German!
I grew up reading German books for children in German. Sadly, my kids never learned German (read why HERE), and I was sad that they would never get to enjoy the stories that were so familiar to me. Now I’m finding more and more German Children’s Books in English. Finally, my kids will get to read about Die Kleine Hexe…