Omas are the BEST! I’ve been thinking a lot about my Oma lately, she would have been 100 this year! What it is that made her, like so many of her generation, special? Was it the wonderful (and plentiful) food they cook? The good advice? The way they always made time for you? Maybe it’s the fact that they could…
Author: karenanne
Haba For Easter- German Toys and Games for the Easter Basket!
HABA Animal Upon Animal – Classic Wooden Stacking Game Fun for the Whole Family (Made in Germany) While I never say no to a nice Chocolate Bunny, I love tucking things into the Easter Basket that last a little longer. A stuffed toy, book or game last a lot longer than colored eggs… and will keep the kids happy and…
German Kitchen Tools from My Oma’s Kitchen- Who Remembers These?
The world is changing all the time, and “improvements” in home appliances have made cooking faster and easier. Still … somehow, despite all the technological advances, are any of our meals as memorable as the ones made by our Omas on these simpler German kitchen tools? My Oma never had a microwave or food processor… she didn’t use much in…
Celebrating Palm Sunday in Germany with Palmbuschen
Easter week begins with Palm Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Lent, the Sunday before Easter. The name comes from the Palms laid at Jesus’s donkey’s feet as he and his followers made their way into Jerusalem. On Palm Sunday in Germany, especially in Bavaria, this procession is recreated by clergy and others walking through the town, singing hymns, praying, and carrying…
German Easter Markets – Easter Shopping In Germany
We all know about German Christmas Markets… but did you know that every Spring there are German EASTER Markets?!? These sweet little markets pop up on weekends during Lent, and leading right up until Easter. Germans do love to decorate their homes to celebrate Easter, and the Markets give them a chance to find that perfect something new to welcome…
Maps of German Wine Regions- Plan and Remember Your Wine Adventure
Are you planning a trip to Germany for a wine drinking adventure? You need a one of these Maps of German Wine Regions to help you organize your vacation! I love maps. There is something about having an image to go along with an idea…. to see where the wineries are, how far apart… and what else is close by.…
Is German Chocolate Cake German? NO! Here’s the Real Story…
A question I hear almost as often as the Christmas Pickle question came up again today. “Is German Chocolate Cake German?”. Well, the short answer is- NO, it’s not. But, before you go off to read something else, let me share some German Chocolate cake history and how it got its name. German Chocolate Cake History German Chocolate Cake was…
The German Beer Boot- The History, Game, and How to Drink from It
I remember the first time I saw the German Beer Boot. I was 18 years old in Heidelberg, and a group of friends and I were at a Gasthaus where a Beer Boot competition was taking place. I’m happy to report that my Texan friend won hands down (several times). His prize? a Beer Boot to take home! But I…
What is Weiberfastnacht? Women Kick off Karneval!
One special event sticks out in the excitement of Karneval or Fasching Season‘s parties, parades, and fun events, especially for women- Weiberfastnacht. What is Weiberfastnacht? It’s the start of street Karneval Celebrations, the day when Karneval kicks into high gear! It’s the day when women take over the party. I once arrived in Köln on Weiberfastnacht. As I emerged from…
Maibowle Recipes- Enjoy this Refreshing Wine Punch from Germany!
My mother often made a Bowle for parties. These wine punches were refreshing on warm summer afternoons in Southern California. Usually, they were made with wine, a bit of sugar, maybe some brandy, and fruit or herbal ingredients to give them more flavor. And in May, a green Maibowle is a tasty way to celebrate the season. But what…