Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs. Christmas preparations in Germany begin from 1st of December as people bake spiced cakes, gingerbread houses and cookies, … [Read more...]
Glühwein
Glühwein is enjoyed at traditional Christmas Markets and is also known as an after-ski drink. Watch it: since you drink this wine warm, the alcohol goes to your head extra quick! Here's How: Place 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan with a piece of cinnamon, ginger, orange zest, 8 cloves, and 3/8 cup sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer … [Read more...]
Three Kings’ Cake
Three King's Cake (or bread) is closely allied with the traditions around the Epiphany (January 6th). This date commemorates the visit the Three Wise Men made to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Ingredients: Dough 3/4 cup light raisins 3/4 cup chopped dates 1 1/3 cups chopped walnuts 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup chopped candied … [Read more...]
Stutenkerl
A Stutenkerl belongs to the Saint Nicholas tradition in the German-speaking countries. It is a pastry made of Stuten, sweet leavened dough, in the form of a man. Ingredients: 500 g (4.5 cups) flour, additional flour 1 package of active dry yeast 50 g (1/4 cup) of sugar pinch salt 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk 50 g (4 tbsp) of butter, melted … [Read more...]
Lebkuchen
They are world-famous and inseparably tied to Christmas – Nuremberg Lebkuchen or gingerbread. These internationally-known delicacies were first baked by Franconian monks, who created these sweet baked goods as early as the 14th century. Ingredients: For the cookies: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading 1¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg 1¼ … [Read more...]
Kletzenbrot – Traditional German Christmas Fruit Bread
Ingredients: 125g dried apricots 250g dried pears 250g dried figs 250g stoned prunes 125g currants 250g sultanas 250g sugar 225ml water 1 cup liquid for 1 packet of dried yeast 250g flour 1 tsp cinnamon 1 pinch of ground cloves 1 pinch of ground cardamom 1 pinch of ground ginger 250g chopped hazelnuts 50g chopped candied orange … [Read more...]
German Christmas Stollen
Stollen is a fruit bread containing dried fruit and often covered with powdered sugar or icing sugar. The bread is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices. Stollen is a traditional German bread usually eaten during the Christmas season, when it is called Weihnachtsstollen (after "Weihnachten") or Christstollen … [Read more...]
Saffron Buns (St. Lucia Buns)
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1-1/3 cups milk 1 teaspoon saffron threads, chopped fine and soaked in a few drops of water 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs, divided use 4 cups unbleached flour + flour for kneading Raisins for garnish … [Read more...]
St. Nicholas Day
The patron of all kids The story of St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Minor Asia, who died on December 6th, 343, dates back to the 4th century. He is said to appear in the company of Knecht Ruprecht, "Knecht" meaning "servant". Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure wearing a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, as … [Read more...]