German Christmas Treats

I am in Miami at Art Basel. There are few traces of holiday cheer here only the insane hype circus that surrounds this type of event. One of my oldest and dearest friends is on business here this week and invited me to come along for a wild ride. In between the insanity we have been having girlfriend fun but for the most part, aside from walking the show, it’s been a  non-stop party train populated by celebrities, musicians, artists, art dealers and creatives types from every stratosphere.

We haven’t been able to return to our suite at the Mondrian before 3AM every night since we got here. I’ve met so many fun and interesting people, the food and fun have been fabulous but Ima gonna need a vacation once back in NYC.

Deconstructed Key Lime Pie in South Beach

Last week I saw an article in Saveur magazine about Christmas in Bavaria and almost cried.   Germany is such a magical place at Christmas and this half Jewish girl loved every minute of that festive time over the 10 years I lived there. Even though NYC has it’s own, albeit much more commercial brand of holiday magic, I really will miss Christmas in Germany this year.  So while I am pool side at the Delano (don’t hate me) drowning my sorrows in Grey Goose, there is no time for baking, only people watching and networking. In order not to completely abandon holiday blogging,  I’m sharing with you some wonderful and delicious German themed treats of Christmas posts past.

Marzipan Filled Mango, Cashew, Pistachio Stollen Bites

This is still one of my favorite Christmas treats I ever made. Packed with flavor and a homemade marzipan festive colored middle. A little surprise gift inside.

Aachener Printen

Gilded Spekulatius

Of course I had to glitter these babies up. The cookies themselves were delicious. I gave away an extra set of those handmade beautiful molds I had bought at the Aachen Christmas market. when I went bak to find them again last year, fulling intending to repeat the giveaway, I could not find the vendor anywhere. Since this post I have purchased a few antique ones from different thrift shops in Germany but they are all back in Germany so I have no access to them this holiday season.

White Chocolate Dipped Lebkuchen Caramels

Caramels are not a German Christmas tradition but Lebkuchen Gewürz flavor, a mix of gingerbread like spices are a huge holiday favorite. After adding the spices, I dipped these deep flavored caramels in white chocolate I had added a touch of color to, Coating the ends in white non pareils gve them a snowy wintery look. Dr. B recently was in Europe on a business trip. while there, he made a stop in Germany to check on the house and spend time with family. He also picked me up some more of these little spice packets of awesomeness.

Rumtopf

Finally, this is not a recipe for making now but enjoying now. Showing you the result is just an enticement to encourage those willing to make their own starting in late spring next year. You can use any extra large jar with a lid. You keep layering in fruits as they come into season along with brown sugar and rum. By next Christmas time you will have a boozy, delicious and unique dessert. Enjoy it straight up or spooned over cake, ice cream or yogurt.