This is the time of year when things can get confusing for some people; in Germany, there is St Nicholas, the Christkind, AND the Weihnachtsmann… but Who is bringing the presents? What is the Weihachtsmann? To make the ‘gift-giver’ issue even more confusing, there are mixed families here in the US where one parent grew up with Santa Claus! How…
Category: German Holidays and Festivals
Traditions from Germany- Traditional German Christmas Decorations
Scrolling through the Traditions from Germany website is a bit like wandering through an authentic German Christmas market from the comfort of your own home. The charming wood and glass ornaments, handcrafted Pyramids, chubby Smokers, and even brightly lit Herrnhutter Sterne, bring joy and smiles to people who display them during the holiday season. You could say that Sheri and Jochen…
Weihnachtspunsch Recipe -German Christmas Punch
On my Christmas Market tour, I discovered that there are MANY more hot drink choices than just Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle. I saw Kinderpunsch (punch for kids), Eierlikorpunsch (a warm Eggnoggy Punsch), Weihnachtspunsch, or Christmas Punch. This hot and rich Punch came loaded with holiday flavors, but until I found this Weihnachtspunsch Recipe, I couldn’t quite put my taste buds on…
Schwibbogen German Christmas Light Arch from the Erzgebirge
Like many German Christmas decorations, the Schwibbogen came from the Erzgebirge. Beginning in the Middle Ages, the “Mettenschicht” was the traditional last work shift before Christmas in the Ore Mountains. In these deep dark mines, a miner’s light kept the darkness at bay, and hanging them together along an arch would light up the cavern. The tradition of Schwibbogen, or…
White Glühwein Recipe – Citrus and Spice and everything nice!
While on a Christmas Market Tour, I tried all sorts of warm drinks… there was Red Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, Punsch, Eierpunsch, and WHITE Glühwein. White Glühwein? I’d never seen that before! This mulled white wine is warm and flavorful with the addition of Cinnamon, Anise, and Allspice. And that citrus kick appeals to my Southern California upbringing. I experimented with…
German Oktoberfest Words To Help You Enjoy the Fest
Want to fit in at Oktoberfest? Use these German Oktoberfest Words, and you will sound like a local! Sure, you may not be able to manage the Bavarian accent right away. (I think that requires you to drink two or three Maß first…) But you WILL be able to order food and drink, find the bathroom, and basically navigate the…
How to make Obatzda – German Beer Cheese Spread
While on a tour in Munich, we had a “get acquainted” lunch at the Augustiner Brewery (across from the Hofbrauhaus). On the Menu were Weißwurst, Pretzels, and Obatzda, a German beer cheese spread. It was orange. As someone who has attended plenty of gatherings with a fluorescent cheese ball, I was a little skeptical. But that first taste smeared on…
The Muenchener Kindl – The Symbol of Munich
For someone not from Munich (like me), the Münchener Kindl can be a bit confusing. When I first heard it, I presumed it referred to a native, someone born in Munich. And although I’ve heard people referring to themselves that way, it’s much more than that. It’s the symbol of Munich, and you can see it everywhere in the city.…
The Oktoberfest Cookbook- German Oktoberfest Recipes
Festival season is a great time to learn some new German Oktoberfest Recipes. Naturally, I want to be able to cook staples like Brathändl /Roast Chicken and Bavarian Kartofelsalat /potato salad (my northern German version is vastly different). But I also wanted recipes for the less well-known, and quite delicious foods that you would find at Oktoberfest… but now…