When I grew up in Germany my mother often saw me as a child, although I was already an adult. As you guessed, she would mother me. When the Apple harvest was over and this fruit was freshly picked, Apples were always on the table in form of apple puree, or my favorite, the delicious […]
Read MoreCover photo above: Work of a Peony Rose painter anno 1784, a painted headboard in the Ackerhus Museum. The fillings show the two seasons of Spring and Summer in the form of two women. When King Max II (1811–1864) wanted to connect to the peasants, he began actively promoting the art and customs of the […]
Read MoreA Chimney sweep, a Pig, a Horseshoe or four leaf Glover. f you want to help your luck in the new year, you can try lucky charms. I’ll reveal how these little helpers achieved their symbolism. For example, the chimney sweep saved houses from a fire. They are also known as messengers of good fortune.
Read MoreAt one of my visits to Salzburg a couple years ago I was longing for an Austrian sweet dish. We stopped at Cafe Mozart in the Getreidegasse to experience this local dessert. Salzburger Nockerl are light and fluffy, they are delicate vanilla-flavored dumplings, which reminds me of a soufflé. Like so many wonderful Austrian desserts […]
Read MoreMade with Eggnog Liquor and White Wine. It is something you would not expect to taste this good. It can easily become your favorite drink at the Christmas Market. Heat plain Eggnog, add some Rum, Whisky or Brandy, then some orange juice and white wine or champagne. Fill in 6 cups or glasses and decorate […]
Read MoreGlühwein, or hot mulled wine you can make yourself, better than at any Christmas market! The alcoholic hot drink is part of the Christmas market, like the gifts under the Christmas tree. But let’s be honest, most of the time we get cheap booze for dear money at the Christmas market, and we only drink […]
Read MoreThe people of Munich have their very own Christkindl or Christ child. Every year it is displayed for worship from the first day of Christmas until the Three Kings Day (Epiphany) early January in the Bürgersaal Church. The daily mass at 5 pm has a long tradition and is a highlight of the Christmas season. […]
Read MoreChristmas time for us children growing up in Germany was an exciting time. From the 1st December to the 24th, we were allowed to eat Chocolates in the morning, which normally would be a tabu during the year. We woke up early every day in Advent to look forward to open a little door at the Christmas calendar hanging on the wall, and there we discovered a sweet little treasure, surprise inside
Read MoreThe Advent in Germany is the most magical and festive time. I remember the romantic historical Christkindlmarkets, the garland, lights and glittering Christmas trees, the Glühwein and Lebkuchen that makes a dreary season heart light up. As children we decorated a wreath with four candles, called “Adventskranz,” and lit a new candle every Sunday. Afterward we would walk down the street and view the decorated homes with wreaths, yards and trees with strings of lights, and pyramids with candles in the windows.
Read MoreIt was a rainy day in Germany, so a visit to a Museum came to mind. Only 45 minutes from where I was staying is Ahrweiler in the North of the Rhineland. There, in 1980, construction workers discovered the remains of an ancient building at the foot of the so called “Silberberg”. It turned out […]
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