Spoonfuls of Germany


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The edible elderflower

Elderflower fritters 1

In the last decade, two edible wild, or semi-wild, plants have seen a huge comeback in Germany: ramsons (Allium ursinum, “Bärlauch” in German) and elderberries, especially their flowers. Continue reading


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Jam session

Strawberry jam in 3 different jars

Pectin for jams and jellies is one of the things I always bring back from Germany. I am so hooked on it that last year when I had a bumper crop of strawberries from my garden, my mother had to mail me an emergency supply. Continue reading


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The king’s dessert

Lemon mousse 1

My knowledge of German history is piecemeal. This is not due to lack of interest. In my high-school days the State of Hessia had done away with history as an independent subject of study and blended it with geography, political science, and social studies. A court later ruled that the State Government had to revoke its curriculum – too late for me when I graduated in 1984. Continue reading