Christmas markets: Food and drink add to the appeal at German events
There’s nothing like being at a German Christmas Market holding a glass of Glühwein that’s warming your hands while you inhale the sweet and spicy steam. I prefer to eat and drink my way through the Christmas Markets. When I’m done at one eatery, I aim straight for the next one.
There’s the bratwurst and Brockwurst that we all know and love. You’ll also find plenty of heavy and hearty foods that will warm you and get you through the market, no matter how big or small it is. For the uninitiated, here is a brief list of what you may find. Keep in mind that menus will reflect regional specialties.
- Linsensuppe — lentil soup
- Erbsensuppe — pea soup
- Gulashsuppe — tomato based soup with peppers and meat
- Kartoffelpuffer — potato pancakes
- Dampfnudlen — steamed sweet dough, plain or filled with poppy seed (Mohn) with a vanilla sauce. Warning: the sauce is very hot!
- Käsespätzle — Swabian noodles and cheese
- Schupfnudlen — potato dumplings, sauerkraut and bits of bacon
To wash down all that food, try the traditional winter drink, Glühwein. This red mulled wine has been warming the hearts of people since the Middle Ages.
For children, there’s a nonalcoholic version called Kinderpunch. Our little town offered its own adaptation called Hessen Punch — Glühwein, amaretto and whipped cream.
A daring combination was offered at the Limburg Market — warm Advocaat (egg liquor), rum and whipped cream. Schnapps from every fruit imaginable is available as an instant warmer-upper.
If you just must buy something, find yourself a stollen to take home. There are many varieties of this traditional cake, so you’ll just have to try them all until you find your favorite.
Lebkuchen (spice cookies) and Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) can also be bought and enjoyed as you sit back, relax (perhaps with rum tea), and reflect on the wonders of living in Germany and the glory of the season.
Warmed by winter wine,
We hold onto each other
Thoughts of sun not far.
Donna Varbero is a civilian Occupational Therapist working for the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services program in Giessen, Germany.
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