German American Life: Recipes and Traditions, by John D Zug and Karin Gottier, describing the History of Germans in America, has been on my shelf for a few years. It’s not a textbook, it’s more a series of essays written by German Americans detailing their experiences. Mixed in are pages about history, recipes, and information about exactly where Germans landed…
Author: karenanne
What is Koch Kase? A Spreadable Cheese That Makes a Perfect Snack
When someone asked about a Koch Kase recipe, I have to admit I drew a total blank. The words are straightforward… Koch Kaese = Cook Cheese… but, I have no idea what it is. To my knowledge we never had it at home. So I did a little asking around, was given a recipe (thanks Dale), compared it to other…
What is a Monchhichi?? It’s a LOVE MONKEY!
You will recognize these toys if you were a child of the 70s and early 80s. I had one as a child, as did my sister, but I have always wondered what is a Monchhichi? Obviously, they are stuffed animals, but where did they come from? And how did they become so popular? These little Love Monkeys swept across the country,…
How to Make Leberkase at HOME! Homemade Leberkase
It was a happy day at our house when Skip shared his recipe and technique for How to Make Leberkase! Of course, nothing is easier than going to a German Butcher or German Deli and buying it, but what if you are in an area where there just isn’t one? Also, buying Leberkase can get expensive. My Oma would laugh…
What Makes Germany Special to Me- And Why I Keep Going Back!
People sometimes ask, “What makes Germany special?” or “What do I love so much about Germany?” The obvious answer is family. But it’s more than that. It’s those little things that people in Germany take for granted that we just don’t have here in the US. Some of what I miss is intangible and difficult to describe. Smells are important…like…
Moravian Star aka Herrnhuter Stern- Not a Just Holiday Decoration
A trio of Moravian Stars hangs in my window at Christmastime. These beautiful 26-point Stars, also known in German as a Herrnhuter Stern, have been a popular decoration during the Christmas Season, from the beginning of Advent until the Epiphany, in parts of Germany for almost 200 years. Moravian Stars represent the Star of Bethlehem and are hung in churches…
German Pickle Ornament Story- How did the Green Pickle Ornament Tradition Start?
It’s time to discuss the German Pickle Ornament Story and shatter the myth once and for all. Germans Don’t Hang Pickles in their Christmas Tree. I know, I know… someone told you it’s a REAL GERMAN TRADITION And maybe your Oma hung a pickle on her Christmas Tree… But the truth is, the Christmas Pickle Ornament Tradition is no more…
Libby, a Second Generation German American
Last night I got an email from Heidi, who passed along this wonderful essay by her daughter Libby, on what it means to grow up a second generation German-American. I loved it so much, I had to share (thanks for the permission Libby!!). I know that my kids have had so many of the same experiences. It’s my…