There are no special picnics or barbeques here these past two days. Everyone is off to work this morning. A regular weekend has just flown by.
We live on the Dutch border, a part of the German front in WW2.
This is around the corner from our house.
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| WW2 Bunker |
On bike rides through the local countryside I see lots of these:
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| WW2 Trenches |
In many of the local villages, there are war memorials commemorating loved ones lost.
I am reminded not just on Memorial Day, but every day of the American lives lost for freedom.
My freedom.
70 years ago because of the faith I was born into, I would have been in hiding here or worse and my marriage would have not been possible or doomed. My husband’s father was a prisoner of war in America.
In answer to the many people over the years who have asked me “How can you live in Germany?”
I say too many people died on the battlefields and in concentration camps for me not to walk these streets as a free person.
Today, especially, I thank them.
Stars and stripes indeed.
Even though there is no apple in these cookies, they smell like an all American apple pie is baking in your oven and taste just as comforting. Please excuse the wonky decorating.
For the cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1+1/3 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon all spice
- 1/8 teaspoon Cardamom
- Pinch of powdered cloves
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add egg and then vanilla.
- With mixer running on Low, slowly ass the flour mixture until just combines.
- Wrap in plastic cling film and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.
- Roll out on a floured surface and cut out cookies with your choice of cutter.
For the Royal Icing:
I used Bridget’s recipe over at Bake at 350
Have a great Memorial Day and if you see a soldier today or on any day, take the time to thank them for their service.
5 comments
These look delicious. How awesome that you are German and you made these! It would definitely be a shame to not enjoy freedom 🙂
I love these cookies, they're great!
Your cookie recipe is a new one for me and I hope to try it one day. Love your *wonky* decorating.
I was surprised to read that people actually ask you *how can you live in Germany* but your response is an excellent one.
We must always preserve the past and honour the sacrifices made but do so in a manner than promotes moving forward to the future together in peace.
I just love you Lora! xoxo
(and um, I see no wonky decorating – only gorgeous stars and stripes!)
No Barbeque for me either, today. In France it is just another working day. We have many other days to honour the fallen, and there were so very many here in this region alone.
I must admit, when I hear 'Memorial Day' I think two things 'Summer is just around the corner' and 'We can now wear white shoes and accessories.'
But I also spare a thought for those who fought to keep us free. And those who still continue to do so today. I send them my heartfelt thanks.
You might appreciate this link. It is a Jacquie Lawson card. Very much work safe and is something will appeal to all Americans, regardless where they now call home.
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1221321706636&source=jl999
Kind regards, Kitty