The history goes back to almost 400 years ago. The bubonic plague (black death) raged in many parts of Europe and did not stop at Oberammergau. To put an end to the misery, the people of Oberammergau decided to take a vow. Continue reading Oberammergau, famously known for its Passion Plays since 1634
I was in the vegetable section of the grocery store the other day and found a Savoy Cabbage. I remembered that my mother used to make a creamed Cabbage vegetable dish at family gatherings. Continue reading Wirsinggemüse, a creamed Savoy Cabbage dish from the Franconia region
The Linderhof Palace follows the “Pleasure Palace” type, which originated in France in the 18th century and was soon built in palace gardens across Europe. The splendid furnishings are a mixture of the French, but also the Bavarian Rococo. This Palace, which resulted from a long period of construction and renovation, is the only larger castle King Ludwig II experienced complete while still alive. Ludwig was a loner and created his own empire with the Linderhof Castle, his palace all for himself. Continue reading The Linderhof Palace of King Ludwig ll
Zwiebelrostbraten is sliced medium rare Roast Beef, served with fried onions on top, to which the name refers. It is a traditional dish of Swabian and Austrian cuisine and a classic dish in Vienna restaurants Continue reading Zwiebelrostbraten or Onion Roast Beef, a popular German feast
Whenever in Würzburg I visit my friends, the sisters Margarete and Anneliese. The Schwarzmann’s have a 100 year history in the hospitality field (Hotel Stadt Mainz). Anneliese, the former chef, is known for baking the most scrumptious Apfelstrudel World famous and popular from the Royals of the House of Habsburg. Whether Apfelstrudel or Topfenstrudel, they are the absolute dessert in the international gourmet kitchens. The … Continue reading Anneliese’s scrumptious “Apfelstrudel” or Apple Strudel
In these so-called “Haushaltsschulen” from the past, young, middle-class women were taught household skills, like cooking, baking, sewing, handicrafts, gardening and cleaning to prepare them to be good housewives In connection with the women’s movement, around 1900, the first textbooks for home economics were also developed. Initially, nevertheless, household training was not viewed as a profession, but rather as a preparation for marriage. Despite all … Continue reading The Evolution of Haushaltsschulen in Women’s Education
Decorating an “Osterbrunnen” is a German tradition of sprucing up public fountains with garlands and painted eggs for Easter. It began in the early 20th century in the Upper Franconia (Fränkische Schweiz) but also has spread to other regions. The decoration is usually kept from Good Friday until two weeks after Easter Continue reading “Osterbrunnen”, the decorated Easter Fountains in Franconia
Experience and knowledge are handed down in the old peasant rules, written down in the Almanac that are part of our cultural history. Generations of farmers and gardeners have gathered an immense amount of knowledge through expert observation of nature, which is hereby made accessible In a “Bauernkalender” weather rules, farmer’s rules, farmer wisdom rules, daily rules, wisdom rules, animal rules, plant rules, harvest rules, … Continue reading A German Farmers Almanac or Bauernkalender
