When people think about traveling to Germany in the Fall, they often think Oktoberfest. BUT, the country has so much more to offer besides this well-known attractions! For example, Federweisser. What is Federweisser? It’s an alcoholic drink only available during the months of September and October. This is a real autumnal tradition for many Germans, particularly in the wine-growing regions…
Author: karenanne
My Vanillekipferl Recipe- A Favorite German Christmas Cookie
Vanillakipferl or Vanilla Crescents may not be the first cookie people think of when searching for a traditional German Christmas cookie recipe. It’s not spiced like a Lebkuchen or topped with jam like Spitzbuben. Instead, the recipe is an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to make flavorful magic. These rich and delicious cookies are…
Vanilla Sugar Recipe- A German Kitchen Essential
Many German Baking recipes call for Vanille Zucker or Vanilla Sugar. Because recipes in the United States generally use Vanilla Extract, you won’t find Vanilla Sugar in your average grocery store. While you CAN substitute one for the other, it isn’t quite the same thing, and buying the packets from Germany can get expensive if you are a frequent baker.…
Where to Get a Beer in Munich… Munich Beer Halls, Beer Gardens and Oktoberfest
Paris has pavement cafes, London has pubs and Barcelona has tapas bars, but for beer lovers, Munich is the place to go for beer halls and beer gardens. That is not to say that beer is Munich’s only attraction. Far from it. There is much to see in this elegant southern German town but it’s beer for which Munich…
Things to See in Frankfurt Germany- It’s more than just an Airport!
Frankfurt has the somewhat unfair reputation of being a dull, rather stuffy city, but there are many interesting things to see in Frankfurt, Germany! It is well known for its trade fairs and has become the center of Germany’s banking industry, an international business hub, and the home of the European Central Bank. But visitors to Frankfurt, whether on business…
Hugo Drink Recipe- Learn How to make this Refreshing Cocktail
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…
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…