AngiesWeb Almost every year at end of November, I gather evergreen branches, tie them together and decorate an Advent wreath. Then I place four red or white candles on top of the Advent wreath, or as we call it in German “Adventskranz” Each Sunday in December we light up a candle until Christmas. This tradition brings back warm memories of my childhood anticipating Christmas. And since … The post The History and Tradition of the Advent Wreath appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb The Reindling cake, which reminds me of the Guglhupf, is a traditional Bundt cake from Kärnten, Austria. It is served on special occasions like Easter, Christmas, and birthdays. The exact origins of the Carinthian Reindling are unclear, but there is evidence of its existence for centuries. Early written mentions of a similar pastry date back to the 13th century. A Carinthian cookbook from 1495 includes … The post Carinthian Reindling, an Austrian Bundt Cake appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb Arriving in Switzerland at my stay in Spiez I admired the gorgeous view over Lake Thun from the veranda. I decided the same afternoon to walk down the hill to the historic castle. First mentioned in historical records in the 10th century, the position of the castle made it an essential strategic site for controlling the trade routes on Lake Thun. The castle has undergone … The post Exploring Spiez Castle: A Historical Gem in Switzerland appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb This Greek pasta salad is one of my favorite summer and barbecue salads. It is easy and quick to make in 30 minutes with few ingredients, healthy, light and refreshing whether as an appetizer, side dish or small main course. I was in Greece for the first time a couple of years ago, and since then I can’t get enough of Greek cuisine. Greek pasta … The post Delicious Greek Pasta Salad for your Summer BBQ appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb An old Bavarian custom is the Pentecost procession in Bad Kötzting. It is one of the largest Equestrian Processions in Europe and goes back to a vow from 1412. The festivities this year were on May 19, 2024, which is the Pentecost Sunday in Germany. As the legend goes, not far from Bad Kötzting, a man was dying and asked for the last sacraments. However, … The post An Equestrian Procession (Pfingstritt) in Bavaria appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb I have lived half of my life in Germany and traveled extensively the last 20 years. I had someone ask me the other day, which town in Germany has the most “Old Town feel”. Usually when I get asked, people refer to the historic town centers that have retained much of their medieval charm, which entails cobble stone streets, half timbered homes (Fachwerk) and historical … The post The 10 most charming, historic Towns in Germany appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb Several years ago I was fortunate to witness the spectacle of raising the Maibaum or Maypole on the most beautiful public square. The Maibaum in Bad Reichenhall at the Florianiplatz is a tradition since the 16th century. The custom symbolizes fertility, the end of the cold season and the beginning of Spring. A town festival with traditional folk dances and a band playing followed. There … The post The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole) appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb On one of my travels driving south of Munich, I stopped by Kloster Andechs, an Abbey near the Ammersee lake. The Andechs Abbey has been an important place of religious pilgrimage since the 10th century.  From afar I saw the Zwiebelturm or onion dome of the Andechs pilgrimage church above the Ammersee. The rococo jewel is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Elisabeth … The post Andechs Abbey, a religious pilgrimage site appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb Germany’s first Pizzeria is said to have opened in Würzburg 70 years ago. In the early days, it was mainly American soldiers who patronized the business. “At that time, no one knew what pizza actually was – including me,” Janina Di Camillo told the Main-Post, a local newspaper. The success story began, when her husband Nicolino in 1952 opened the first Pizza restaurant in Würzburg. … The post Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more

AngiesWeb Greek Yogurt Peach Muffins have a moist and tender texture with a slight tanginess. I used Greek Yoghurt as a substitute instead of the German Quark. The addition of diced peaches adds a juicy burst of flavor and sweetness to the muffins. The muffins are soft and fluffy, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of the moist crumb … The post Moist and tender Greek Yoghurt Peach Muffins appeared first on European Cuisine, Culture & Travel ..read more