-"Glühwein" A German Mulled Wine Recipe-

Glühwein means roughly translated "glow-wine," and is very popular in German-speaking countries. It goes with Christmas like present wrapping and cookie baking. Glühwein is a traditional beverage that is offered during winter and the Christmas holidays including New Years Eve.

This drink is served hot and most of the time made from red wine. White wine can also be used, but is less popular than the red wine version.
The basic recipe for Glühwein is pretty much the same for most countries that enjoy this drink, but can differ in the preparation and adding of spices and other ingredients that make it more unique to a particular country or even families.

No German Christmas market is complete without Glühwein to keep away the winter chill.
It is a long standing tradition and while you can buy pre made bottles of Glühwein it will never be better than homemade.

To make a pot of Glühwein you will need:

- ¾ Liter Red Wine
- ¼ Liter Water
- 3-5 Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Star Anise
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Orange
- 3 Tbs Sugar

Pour wine and water into a pot and add all the spices. Slowly heat, but do not bring to a boil.
Cut the orange and lemon into slices and add to the pot as well. Leave on the stove for about an hour keeping the wine at a low simmer. After, strain the Glühwein to remove the spices and citrus. Add the sugar to taste and serve hot in large mugs. Place an orange or lemon slice into the mug for some decor.

If you like a bit more kick you can also add a shot of rum or brandy.

Enjoy and please drink responsibly


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-" Vanillehörnchen" Homemade German Christmas Cookies-

Vanillehörnchen are my all-time favorite, traditional German Christmas cookies.
These cookies are quick and easy to bake. I'm sure they will become a family favorite and be gone in no time. Store the Vanillahörnchen in a tin, they will keep for about 3 weeks if you can keep your family from eating them in one sitting.

Ingredients for approx. 25 - 30 cookies

• 260g (2 1/2 cups) plain flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar
• 100g (1/2 cup) ground almonds or hazel nuts
• 1 egg yolk
• 200g (1 cup) soft butter
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar to dust the Vanillahörnchen

To make you own vanilla sugar

• Put 200g sugar into a jar with a lid, slice one Vanilla Bean, remove the pulp with a small spoon and cut the bean into 2 or 3 pieces. Add the pulp and the vanilla bean pieces to the sugar. Close the jar and let the vanilla sugar rest for a few day, shake now and then. This sugar is so much better than store bought, with lots more aroma and taste.

Directions
Mix the butter, salt, vanilla sugar and egg yolk in a bowl with a hand mixer.
Add ground almonds and flour and knead to a firm dough. 
Divide the dough into quarters and form four rolls, each one about 2 to 3cm (0,78 zo 1,18 inch) thick. Cover the rolls with cling wrap and place them in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Dust your counter top with some flour and cut the rolls into slices (about as thick as a finger) and form little crescents.
Put the Vanillahörnchen on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet,
Bake at 160°C / 320°F in a pre-heated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove the Vanillahörnchen carefully and place them on a cooling rack.
Fill the icing sugar into a small bowl and dust the Vanillahörnchen while they are still warm.

Let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack and enjoy with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of Glühwein.



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-Happy 1st of Advent-

Happy 1st Advent. The Christmas season has begun and I decided to be less traditional with my Advents candles.
Every year I have used an Advents wreath, but this year I chose a powder blue tray that I filled with Epsom salt to simulate snow, added silver and light blue Christmas balls, some pine cones, greenery and then placed my 4 candles in the center. My tree is in white, silver and powder blue so this Advent display will go nicely with the decor.

A very simple but beautiful display fit to celebrate each Advent Sunday.
This afternoon we lit the first candle and sat around it with a nice cup of coffee and a piece of cake.
Sunday Afternoon coffee and cake has been a tradition in my family as long as I can remember, but sitting around the Advents wreath made it just a little more special.

I hope everyone has a great and joyous time during the Season. 

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-Pinecone Ball-

Every year I promise myself to start early with crafting things for my Christmas decor, but it never works out or I just don't get around to it. This year however I managed to start a little something that goes great for the rest of  the fall season and carries right into Christmas.

I love pine cones and find them fitting for both of the major seasons.
Thanksgiving or Christmas, pine cones look great and so I tried my hand in making a pine cone ball. I've seen some displayed on Pinterest and thought they are just great so I just had to make one for myself.

 

I think I'll make some more decorations from pine cones since I still have a view weeks until the Christmas decor should be up.


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