Germany is a country rich with culture and steeped in tradition, especially when it comes to Christmas. The festive season in Germany is not just a celebration; it's a magical time that transforms towns and cities into winter wonderlands, filled with scents, sights, and sounds that emanate warmth and joy. Here we will guide you through the … [Read more...]
A Taste of Tradition: The Rich History of Stollen Bread
As we explore the unique culinary traditions across the world, Germany's rich food culture serves up a sweet surprise - the Stollen bread. This distinctive and festive bread, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the snow-covered landscape of winter, takes center stage during the holiday season. It's a beloved food tradition that embodies … [Read more...]
Traditional German Stollen Bread Recipe
If you're looking to bake something unique and festive this holiday season, a traditional German Stollen Bread might be just the treat you're looking for. Also known as Christmas Stollen or Christstollen, this bread is a delightful blend of nuts, fruits, and spices, all coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, making it look like a miniature … [Read more...]
Feuerzangenbowle – Glühwein with a Twist!
Feuerzangenbowle is a traditional German alcoholic drink for which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine. It is often part of a Christmas or New Year's Eve tradition. The name translates literally to "fire-tongs punch". Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) is quite popular during the winter months in Germany. But if you are … [Read more...]
Marzipan Potatoes – Marzipankartoffeln
Marzipankartoffeln are baby potatoes made from marzipan and are traditionally given to friends in little bags or placed on the goodie plate at Christmastime. These traditional German Christmas treats are quick and easy to make and irresistible! Ingredients: 2 cups ground almonds 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon rose water * 1 … [Read more...]
How to Cook Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are traditionally made in Germany for Christmas. Cook them anytime, and let some Christmas into the house right now! Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 30 min Here's How: Heat 3/4 cup honey, 3/8 cup sugar and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in ginger, … [Read more...]
Strawberry Santas
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 1 lb large strawberries 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar (or sugar substitute - to taste) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract sesame seeds Cooking: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the … [Read more...]
Pfeffernüsse – German Christmas Spice Cookies
Pfeffernüsse are tiny spice cookies, popular as a holiday treat in Germany around Christmas. These cookies with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hit of black pepper are ideal for the holiday season. Ingredients: 1/2 cup molasses 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup unsalted butter 4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 … [Read more...]
Vanillekipferl – Vanilla Crescents
These delicate, crescent-shaped cookies flavored with vanilla and dusted with confectioner's sugar are classic German Christmas cookies. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 stick butter (~110 g), softened, halved or whole 1 egg yolk 1 cup flour 1/2 cup ground almonds (preferably skinless) 1/2 cup powdered sugar a pinch of salt 2 teaspoons vanilla … [Read more...]
Zimtsterne – Cinnamon Stars
Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) are maybe THE traditional German Christmas cookies. Everyone loves these little treats. Ingredients: 4 egg whites 250 g powdered sugar 300 g almond flour 1 tsp cinnamon peel of 1/2 lemon rum flavor (or brown rum) optional: rectangle-shaped baking wafers Preparation: Beat egg white until very firm … [Read more...]