By Jennifer Dutton (Anna)

 After World War II Germany cuisines was depending on the region.  North cuisines was influenced by the sea  Central cuisines are rich and heavier  South cuisines are lighter with strong influence by its neighbors Italy and Austria

 During Christmas time German food extend past sausage and potatoes.  Goose which is the most popular item.  The sides are potato dumplings. In areas of Germany, that are mostly Catholic. Fish would be the traditional meal. Because its considered to be the day of fasting. The fish is prepared in stock with vinegar, horseradish and apples. The common fish are:  Salmon  Trout  Sole

 The most popular dessert during Christmas time is the Lebkuchen (honey cake that is iced and shaped into hearts, squares and semicircles).  Traditionally a young women will make a few and bring them with a ribbon to a young men as a present.  Christmas cookies  Spekulatius traditional spicy cookie  Zimtsterne star-shaped cinnamon cookie  Gingerbread first appeared in central Europe in the Middle Ages, made from sugars and spices that was brought back from the Middle East.  The first gingerbread was made by a Catholic monk in Europe for special holidays and festivals.

 On New Years Eve an old tradition of eating sauerkraut which, is said to bring blessing and wealth for the new year.  For the New Years Eve dinner seafood is served. The most popular type is Carp.  Carp are freshwater fish.  One reason why seafood is served is because people wanted to cut their calorie after all the Christmas celebration.  Soup are the most popular during the meal.  Lentil soup (linsensuppe)  Pea soup (erbsensuppe)  Bean soup (bohnensuppe ) Carp

 Neujahrsbrot is a bread is a gift to friends and family.  It a sign of that he or she will have plenty of bread without sickness in the year to come.

 In Germany Easter is a four day celebration that starts on Good Friday and continues on to Easter Monday.  During these four days of celebration it is spent with family.  Good Friday the meal is fish which, is eaten as a symbol of Jesus Christ and his disciples.  No meat is eaten on this day.  On the Monday the whole family gathers with food as the Easter lamb is the main focus point.

 Saturday the day before Easter it is a day of relaxation and preparation for the big meal on Easter.  During this day the baking of the lamb and making the Easter bunny cake is done.

 On Easter Sunday the celebration starts off by attending church followed by a breakfast including  Eggs (hard boiled)  Fruit and vegetables  Bread  Fresh made cakes (carrot cake, with different jams)  Cheese  Sausage Easter dinner  Is enjoyed by the whole family having lamb as the main dish.

 Pork is the most popular meat in Germany with over 1,500 different types of sausages.  A pig is symbol of good luck and well-wishes.  The fishes scale from the carp is placed in ones wallet for a whole year will bring lots of money to that person.  A pretzel that is shaped into a cross is thought to bring luck and blessings.

 Ingredients  1 cup white sugar  1 cup shortening  1 cup honey  2 eggs  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1 teaspoon baking soda  4 cups all-purpose flour  1 teaspoon ground ginger  Directions  In a saucepan over low heat, melt together sugar, shortening and honey. Let cool.  Mix together eggs, vanilla, baking soda and ginger. Gradually add to cooled honey mixture.  Slowly add 4 cups of flour to mixture. Stir until well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) until golden (about minutes).

 Information      Pictures     bigoven.com  kochbar.de  Chip art  wallpapers.free-review.net   2.jpg Cookies recipes websites 