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…
Category: German Foods and Recipes
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 in a Gasthaus where a Beer Boot competition was happening. I’m happy to report that my Texan friend won hands down (several times…) His prize? a Beer Boot to take home! But I did…
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…
German Eiswein- The sweet Dessert Wine created by Frost
Although you wouldn’t think that frost or icy conditions are good from wine production, some growers count on the the cold so they can make Eiswein. But …. what is German Eiswein (Ice Wine)?? Is it frozen wine? Is it wine-flavored ice cream? Eiswein (Ice Wine, Eis Wine) is a refreshing and sweet (but not cloying) dessert wine produced in…
What is a Bunter Teller? A Plate of Christmas Cookies for Everyone
Last week, a friend said, “You’re German; would you like these? I found them at an estate sale,”… and then she handed me these cardboard plates/bowls printed with Christmassy images. She had found paper plates for “Bunter Teller!” I was so excited to receive something from my childhood. But What is a Bunter Teller? These special plates come out every…
Gifts for Nutella Lovers… Because Nutella is AWESOME!
Do you know someone with an absolute weakness for Nutella… someone who is more than content to sit down with a jar of chocolatey hazelnut goodness and a spoon? (ME!!!) I’ve always loved Nutella, ever since my Opa started sending it to us in packages back in the 70s. And now my older daughter does too (she’s sort of…
German Cakes Quiz- How well do YOU know your Traditional German Cakes?
One of my favorite German Traditions is the Sunday afternoon Kaffee and Kuchen. You sit down with family and friends at a beautifully set table and enjoy a selection of cakes! It’s a wonderful way to slow down and catch up with those you love. Plus, there’s cake…. But, how well do you know your German cakes? Would you…
Schwenker Grill Time! German Style Grilling and Marinade
Deep in one of my mom’s photo albums is this photo of my Uncle using his German Schwenker Grill. He took his job very seriously. We kids weren’t allowed to fool with it. My family made an all-day event out of it, which explains why so many bottles of beer are on the table. What is a Schwenker Grill? It…
Foods They Eat in Germany- Don’t Fear the Wurst! Eat it!
If you are planning a trip to Germany, I ask you only one thing…. don’t be afraid of the food. I’ve come up with a great list of foods to eat in Germany that will not only fill you up, they will make you wonder what you ever saw in that Fast Food Hamburger. I know it’s difficult when you…