Kokosmarkonen are a classic and beloved Christmas cookie in Germany. Not only because they are delicious, moist, and chewy, but also because they are very easy and quick to make. Traditionally baked on Oblaten or wafers, Markonen date back to the 17th century in Italy. The name originated from the greek word 'makarios,' meaning delightful. The base recipe for macaroons... Continue Reading →

Crisp and buttery with a nutty, almond flavor - that's the Vanillekipferl. The crescent-shaped cookie does not only look good on a platter but it melts in your mouth and is always a big hit at Christmas parties. The name Vanillekipferl (pronounced VAN-el-eu-KIP-furl) literally means "vanilla crescent" or "vanilla moon." The cookies originated in Vienna, Austria and just like the... Continue Reading →

The Weihnachtszeit or Christmas time in Germany is often called magical. With its romantic Christmas markets, evergreen decorations and longstanding traditions, the time never fails to make the darkest time of the year shine bright. As the weather turns colder, parents spend time with their children indoors making decorations for windows and trees and of course baking... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Growing up we always had Lametta or tinsel on our Christmas tree. It was a way to add some sparkle to the tree and to this day I still love seeing how the light flickers against the silver tinsel, especially when the tree is lit... Continue Reading →

Every year my mom loves to make a traditional Osterzopf. The sweet braided bread also known as Hefezopf or yeast braid is made with a yeast dough and includes creamy marzipan and toasted almonds with a sweet jam glaze. It is one of my favorite Easter treats (besides the big chocolate Osterhase or Easter bunny).... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. The German Osterhase or Easter Bunny doesn't hide treats in colorful plastic eggs in Germany, instead he uses traditional Pappmaché Ostereier or German Paper Mache Easter Eggs. Always beautifully decorated, they feature designs like bunnies, flowers or springtime motifs and come in all sizes from... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. I love Easter in Germany. It is full of decorations, rituals and get togethers - almost like Christmas but with better weather promising the arrival of spring. One of my favorite Easter-related traditions especially as a child was and still is decorating eggs. In Germany,... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Drive through any village, town or neighborhood in Germany around Easter time and you will see colorful eggs tied on with ribbons hanging from every tree and bush in almost every yard. Known as der Ostereierbaum, the tradition of decorating branches of trees and bushes... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Germans love to predict what will happen in the coming year, so every New Year's Eve people sit around a burning candle and melt a small amount of lead on a spoon - Bleigiessen or lead pouring. After the metal liquifies, it is poured into... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Just like many people around the world, Germans celebrate the New Year the night before. Usually surrounded by friends and family, the Silvesterabend is quite the celebration in Germany. Besides eating fondue, where cheese is melted and cooked meats and vegetables are dipped into it,... Continue Reading →