German Holiday Delicacies

Stollen

The fruitcake we know in america was adapted from one of the most famous German delicacies known as Stollen. Since 1329, this unique cake has been considered one of the most treasured Christmas desert in the world. The most famous kind of "fruitcake" can be found at many local markets, called Dresdner Stollen, originally from the city of Dresden. This delicious version includes nuts and fruit and is definatly what what we have come to know as the weird fruitcake we know in the states. 

Gingerbread

Gingerbread  (Pfefferkuchen) due to the strong, oriental spices it uses - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, coriander, and anise - is baked  and is sweetened with honey. Lebkuchen has been a staple in Germany since the 14th century. Because its creation requires the use of ingredients that had to be imported, the first Lebkuchen was cooked in cities that were the centers of trade. Lucky for me, one of these was Nuremburg! In the mid-1600s, the city made strict regulations restricting the production of the desert. Until the beginning of industrialization, Lebkuchen was made only by hand. Still today, many bakeries hand-bake these delicious treats.  Modern-day variations may include nuts, orange or lemon zest, or a chocolate covering.(YUM!)

Goose

Christmas goose can be traced from English superstition and to religious asceticism. One story goes that Queen Elizabeth I was enjoying a goose when she heard the British had defeated the Spanish Armada in the 1500's, immediatley ordering all of England to mimic her dinner at Christmas. The tradition then presumably hopped from England to Germany, where it grew. But the real reason to eat roast goose is all in the flavors. Rich goose does exactly what you want protein to do in cold winter weather: roast up moist on the inside and crisp on the outside, all while giving you with a wealth of delicious drippings for future cooking.

Fun Story: I thought I was cooking a turkey for Christmas dinner, but it was taking quite a long time to cook! Finally a friend opened the oven and said "Um... im pretty sure thats a Duck." I unintentionally stuck with traditions on that one!

Gluwein

On a chilly day, nothing will heat your insides up faster than a mug of hot Glühwein. This essential Christmas market beverage consists of steaming mulled red wine. Most large cities in Germany serve Glühwein in ceramic mugs designed for the local Christmas markets. And like in the Bavarian beer gardens, when buying Glühwein, you will have to pay a deposit on top of the cost of the beverage. Once you have enjoyed your cup of deliciousness, you have the option of either returning the mug to get your money back or keep it as a nice souvenir! Ours was a beautiful glass cup with an illustration of the market and the year on the side, a perfect fit with out new collection!