Hello, fellow culinary friends,
As we head toward the holidays, I'm diving headfirst into the pure nostalgia of my childhood Christmas experiences. Staying with my brother in Munich, at this time ramps up the excitement tenfold. We're cut from the same cloth, raised in a household where Christmas (Weihnachten) wasn't just a day; it was a big deal!
The magic of this season engulfs everyone here, no matter their religious leanings, thanks to the contagious spirit of decoration and celebration that blankets the city.
As the days shrink and the nights turn frosty, it's prime time to snuggle up with your tribe. I've got three German Christmas traditions and one culinary gem that'll make your taste buds sing. Here's to wishing you an epic, blissful holiday season! Cheers to making it merry and bright!
ADVENT WREATH
The Advent wreath, made of evergreen branches and four candles, symbolizes the countdown to Christmas and is prominent in Germany and many cultures. The wreath's circular shape signifies eternity and hope, with each candle representing themes like hope, preparation, joy, and love. Lit weekly (every Sunday), they signify the passage of time and anticipation for Christmas, bringing brightness and warmth to the season. Families in Germany gather around it, lighting candles, singing carols, and reflecting on its significance. It's a visual reminder of the approaching holiday and a tradition fostering togetherness, often accompanied by shared treats like cookies and hot beverages.
First Candle: Often associated with hope, is lit on the first Sunday.
Second Candle: Symbolizes peace, lit on the second Sunday.
Third Candle: Represents joy, lit on the third Sunday.
Fourth Candle: Often signifies love or sharing love with others, lit on the fourth Sunday.
ADVENT CALENDARS
Advent calendars are popular in Germany and worldwide during the Christmas countdown. They mark the days from December 1st to December 24th and often hold surprises like chocolates or toys behind daily doors or pockets. They build excitement, especially among children, fostering joy and anticipation during the holiday season. Available in various designs, from traditional paper to modern digital versions, they've been a cherished tradition, fostering family togetherness while eagerly awaiting Christmas Day. I grew up with Advent Calendar, homemade and storebought and still to this day make Advent calendars for my kids. Above is the calendar my brother and I made for each other. (He gets the uneven numbers and I get to open the even numbers).
Bake Austin’s German Christmas Cookie Advent Calendar is here on our website.
ST. NIKOLAUS DAY IS TOMORROW
St. Nikolaus Day, celebrated on December 6th, honors the patron saint of children and gift-giving, a beloved German tradition. On this day, children eagerly place their shoes outside on December 5th, hopeful that St. Nikolaus will fill them with sweets and small gifts. Legends portray Nikolaus as a compassionate figure who saved the poor and rewarded good behavior. He's often accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus and travels house-to-house, leaving treats for well-behaved children. The day celebrates generosity and kindness, observed in schools and communities across Germany, instilling excitement and moral lessons for the holiday season.
And here is my recipe for this week:
My mom and I used to make these on cold days, they are super yummy and easy to make. If you have kids let them help you!
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp raisins
2 Tbsp Grappa (if children are eating: apple juice)
4 sour apples (e.g., Belle de Boskoop apple - this is the original apple for this recipe, I have made it with Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
4 dried apricots, or a small handful of or cranberries
100 g marzipan (optional- but recommended)
2 Tbsp softened butter + some butter for the baking dish + a few butter flakes for baking the apples
2 Tbsp ground almonds
2 Tbsp sugar
1 level tsp cinnamon
A pinch of ground cloves
2 Tbsp slice almonds
To top:
Vanilla Icecream
or the traditional Vanilla Sauce
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Soak the raisins in half a cup of cold water. After ten minutes, squeeze the water out of the raisins with a spoon. Then, let the swollen raisins soak in Grappa or apple juice.
Wash the apples, core them, and possibly enlarge the cavities. Level the bottoms of the apples so they can stand better. Place them in a buttered baking dish.
Cut the apricots into small cubes. Grate the marzipan coarsely.
Knead the marzipan with the butter, ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined. Finally, add the diced apricots and raisins, mix well.
Fill the apple cavities with the stuffing using a teaspoon, piling it up into mounds if desired. Place butter flakes on top of the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until the apples are soft. In the last five minutes, add the almond flakes on top of the apples, to brown them a little.
Serve the baked apples with a scoop of vanilla icecream.
🍎Enjoy your baked apple!
I hope this gives you a little insight into the traditions I grew up with.
Next week I will write more
🎄Happy holidays,
Chef Pascal