It seems that our son has finally succumbed to German chocolate. In the past he had rarely asked me to bring anything back from my trips to Germany but last time he requested a few bars of the iconic square-shaped German chocolate. In an ingenious move, Clara Ritter, the wife of the manufacturer, had suggested the square shape in 1932 so that it would fit in any men’s sports coat pocket without breaking. It became one of Germany’s favorite chocolates. Continue reading
Once in a while, someone asks me whether I ever thought of turning my love of German cuisine into an eatery of some sort. My usual answer is a clear “no” – much better for me to cook for friends and family and write about my passion than being exposed to the grind of running a food business. Continue reading
Ham on buttered pumpernickel with halved Mexican sour gherkins
German Schnittchen, the open-faced, bite-sized sandwiches served on a board, instead of a plate, at dinnertime, are cultural manifestations of the square, fuddy-duddy German lifestyle known as “spießig” in German. In the same ilk as garden dwarfs, if you know what I mean. Continue reading
Spoonfuls of Germany 