On the night of December 5th, my parents would fill our polished boots with small gifts such as chocolates, fruits, and nuts and leave them outside. The following day, Sankt Nikolaus—sometimes portrayed by a friend or neighbor in a bishop’s attire would arrive with treats in a bag. He was often accompanied by his helper Knecht Rupprecht or the frightening and hairy Krampus. Continue reading Sankt Nikolaus: A Bavarian Tradition and Tales
Martin’s Day, often simply called Saint Martin, is the commemoration of Saint Martin of Tours. The Christian holiday is celebrated on November 11 every year.
Children honoring St. Martin by walking through the streets with colorful handcrafted illuminating Lanterns, singing songs like “Laterne, Laterne, Sonne Mond und Sterne” or “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne” Continue reading St. Martin, a Saint that children love and adore
The Asam church in Munich is considered one of the most important buildings of southern Germany’s late Baroque and early Rococo. Continue reading The Asam Church; magnificent is an understatement
By Guest Author Claudia Clark. Visiting the Northern region of France known as Normandy is somewhere I had always wanted to go because my mother had been a French teacher and spent several years there as part of an exchange program while she was in college and was quite fond of the area. From the time I was a small child she showed me photos and shared her stories of the time she spent there. Continue reading A Trip to Normandy, Well Worth the Wait
You can find the Lamb cake customarily on an Easter breakfast table in Germany An Easter lamb made from a cake batter has become a beloved tradition for many families in Germany. Instead of a large cake, you can bake little Easter lambs and Easter bunnies, which I personally like much better. This way everyone gets their own mini cake. You can flavor the Easter … Continue reading German Easter Lamb cake or Osterlamm
There’s something deeply comforting about cooking a dish that’s been part of your life for years—one that fills the house with warmth, the kitchen with aroma, and your heart with quiet joy. Stuffed peppers, or in German Gefüllte Paprika, is one of those meals for me. It’s simple, nourishing, and always feels like a celebration of home. I often make it when I crave something … Continue reading Savory Stuffed Peppers, a classic meal idea
Colmar feels like a storybook come to life. Nestled in Alsace, with its half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and cobblestone streets basking in the sun, it invites you to wander and savor. It was there—on a spring day fragrant with blossoms—that I first tasted Quiche Lorraine with Asparagus. I still remember the moment. I had been strolling through the old town, admiring the pastel façades and … Continue reading Quiche Lorraine with Asparagus: A Taste of Colmar
Haslach, a town in the Black Forest with 7000 people celebrates end of February the “Storchentag” (Day of the Stork). Children walk through town with white bags that is led by the “Storchenvater” the father of the stork. They call “Heraus, Heraus!” (get out). Customarily, the towns people throw sweets, fruits and pretzels out of their windows. Continue reading “Storchentag” in the Black Forest
