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How to Tie a Dirndl

Yes, There is a proper way to tie your dirndl apron bow!  See the illustration here, and don’t make a mistake! A dirndl is  part of the Alpine traditional garment or folk costume – Tracht – of the Upper Bavaria region. It can be considered historic or traditional but is still worn today on very

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What is Glühwein?

What is Glühwein? Popular at German Christmas markets, and holiday gatherings, this is a mulled wine, with a different twist. Glühwein is traditionally served at stalls at Christmas markets across Germany and Austria to keep people warm as they shop and socialize. German Glühwein, literally translates to glow-wine, because of how you feel after you’ve

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pfefferneusse

What is Pfeffernüsse?

What does Pfeffernüsse mean in German?  The name literally means “peppernuts”, and does not mean it contains nuts. The cookies are roughly the size of nuts and can be eaten by the handful, which may account for the name. German for “pepper nut“, Pfeffernüsse are named for the pinch of pepper added to the dough

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stollen

What is Stollen?

Stollen is a traditional German Christmas fruit bread, made of nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar and often containing marzipan (a delicious almond paste!). During the Christmas season it is also called Weihnachtsstollen or Christstollen. The most common Stollen is Dresdener Stollen from the city of Dresden,

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What is Strudel?

Strudel is a layered pastry with a sweet filling, like apples.  It became popular in the Hapsburg Empire in the 18th century.  The word comes from the German word which literally means “whirlpool”. A pastry dough is rolled or stretched thin, then filled and rolled up.  Strudel is often served with vanilla ice cream.  It

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German Last Names

Ever wonder what German last names really mean and where they came from? Here is a list of the origins of some German names, usually tied to occupations or attributes. German Last Names and Meanings Albrecht Noble Bauer Farmer or peasant Beck Living near a stream or brook Becker Baker Berger Someone who comes from

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What is Bienenstich?

Bienenstich is a German cake made primarily out of sweet bread, vanilla custard filling and honey-glazed sliced-almond topping. Bienenstich means “bee sting” in German. One source for the origin of bienenstich cites a legend of German bakers from the 15th century who lobbed beehives at raiders from a neighboring village, successfully repelling them, and celebrated

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What is Spatzle?

  Spätzle is a German egg noodle pasta with a chewy, dumpling-like texture. The short noodles are usually irregularly shaped and made from a batter of eggs mixed with flour and milk or water. What is Spatzle? Spätzle is a classic dish for those living in the Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria states in the Southern region

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German goulash

What is Goulash?

German goulash is a hearty beef stew, seasoned with onion, paprika and caraway seeds. It is a simple, rich and comforting one pot meal that’s great over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or spaetzle. What cut of meat is goulash?   The cut you need is flank or chuck. Flank is from the lower half of the

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What is Sauerbraten?

Sauerbraten is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally. It can be prepared from a variety of meats, most often from beef, but also from venison, lamb and pork. What cut of beef for sauerbraten? A rump

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What is Schnitzel?

  What is Schnitzel?   Schnitzel is a tender slice of meat, pounded thin, then breaded and fried, giving it a crispy coating. The dish’s name comes from the German word “schnitt,” which translates to “cut.” The most popular type of meat for schnitzel is veal (wiener-schnitzel) or pork (schweine-schnitzel), but there are also varieties made

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