About.com

Holsteiner

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:56:09 +0000

The Holstein cow, synonymous in most of the world with milk production and the most numerous cow breed in Germany, is not, as many would assume, strictly a German breed. Rather, the Holstein comes from North American stock. This stock, in turn, was imported from the Netherlands to Dutch colonies (New Amsterdam) as early as 1621.

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A Sweet End to the Superbowl

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:49:02 +0000

Some of us have a real sweet tooth and think it's totally necessary to nash on cookies and candy during the big game on Sunday. That's where I come in to help, because it's got to be easy and good, so you don't miss a big play while in the kitchen. Try these Nutella-filled pastry puffs, for a delicious treat that is easy to eat. If you want a coffee cake, make a big one and fill it with bananas in addition to the Nutella. Or make these shortbread cookies filled with Nutella.

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Superbowl Weekend

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:48:44 +0000

If you think you are going to make the same chili as last year for the Superbowl party you are invited to (usually the house with the largest TV), think again. You can do much better things with your time. For instance, try some Szegediner Gulasch, made with sauerkraut, pork and beef and spiced with two kinds of ground paprika. You can also choose beer brats...

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Peas, peas, peas

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:29:44 +0000

The Linearbandkeramik Culture (linear pottery ceramic culture - LBK), around 5000 BC, was the first group of Europeans who cultivated land on a large scale. The first crops that were grown in Germany were einkorn- and emmer wheats, barley, linseed, flax, poppy (for oils), lentils and peas.

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Deutscher Karneval

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:10:58 +0000

January, February and March are usually gray, damp and cold in most of Germany, but that doesn't seem to stop the revelers from celebrating "Karneval," a time to party before Lent. Wearing long underwear under their costumes and heavy jackets on top, they are well able to watch the parades and sway to the music without spilling a drop of good beer. Read more here....

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Der Treber

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:46:27 +0000

"Treber" is a German word to describe the grain left over after brewing, or as we call it, spent grain. We say that, but many of the grain's nutrients are still there, even if it is severely depleted in sugars, which went into the beer.

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Apple Butter

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:54:15 +0000

Apple butter is a really good thing to make in the fall, when the apples are overly abundant. It stores in a smaller space, doesn't go bad and tastes great in numerous applications. If you made applesauce and canned it instead, never fear. You can start directly with the sauce and cook it down, too. This makes an easy, winter project which makes the house smell wonderful.

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Sind Sie gut gerutscht?

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:07:32 +0000

The last week of the year, through to New Year's Eve, German-speaking people wish each other "'einen guten Rutsch!"

New Year's day and the subsequent week, they ask "Sind Sie gut gerutscht?" (and "Frohes Neues Jahr!") (lit.: Did you have a good slide? and Happy New Year!)

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East Friesian Tea

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:52:14 +0000

Whenever I think of Friesian, I think of large, black horses with wavy manes. They are very beautiful (and very expensive). The people who first bred these horses in what is now the Netherlands and parts of Germany, are a hearty lot too and brave the breezes, winds and storms that frequent Frisia.

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Fondue

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:48:45 +0000

While fondue means melt or bend in French (see fondue ballet video, 44 seconds), a fondue party means a good time and a lot of food. Cheese fondue is great, but very filling, after all there's not many nights you eat eight or more ounces of cheese at a sitting, and meat fondue made in boiling oil is delicious, but many people fear those calories, too.

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