B Chronicles: December 2009

Tschüßi!

In an hour I am set to take off to the train station and on towards the Düsseldorf Airport. I took one last jaunt around the city this evening, paying my respects to the Glühwein stands at the Christmas Markets and enjoying what is more than likely my last Christmas season living in Europe.

I have a looooong travel day ahead of me (26 hours). I just checked the Delta website and the first leg of my trip, at this point, is cancelled, potentially making it an even longer travel day(s). Jetzt, geht, LOS. Happy, safe, and timely traveling thoughts sent in my direction are welcome. I am gathering up some fun creative and very mobile projects to take with me and make it all as enjoyable as possible.

There will be no official WE tomorrow. But if you would like, post a link to any photo of anything that is on your mind in the comments here. I would love to check them out.

So, until..... sometime! I can't wait to see all the people waiting for me on the other side of the sea. But it's a sort of calm excitement happening. Maybe because it's past my bedtime now and I am working up the energy to go, go, go.

Have a lovely day.

WE: What's your happiest distraction?

My answer...

Spoon with cacao, originally uploaded by Vogelbetrachter.

The Weekend Exposure Project is a weekly community event, sharing thoughts through imagery. Read about the Weekend Exposure Project and play along.

Maple Apple Crisp

morning crisp, originally uploaded by m a v.

An abundance of apples on hand had me craving a simple warm crisp. I added maple for a fun twist and the results were fantastic. Read on for the recipe...

I didn't follow any exact recipe, but here's what I did to great success:

Preheat oven to 375°F (180°C)
Peel, quarter, and slice 4-5 apples. I had Granny Smith and Gala on hand. Combine apples and about 1/3 c Real maple syrup and place in 8 x 8 baking pan.
In a separate bowl combine 1/2 c flour, 1/2 c brown sugar, 1/2 c oats, and 1/4 c cold butter. Combine with your hands until everything is mixed and crumbly. Sprinkle on top of apple mixture.
Bake about 30 minutes or until golden on top. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Delight in your stomach's happiness.

Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt

The holidays are in the air!!! And in Germany the festivals don't stop for the cold weather. The Christmas markets are open and people are out in droves. I spent my cold, grey, wet Saturday afternoon at the Middle Ages Christmas Market in a small town just outside of Münster. A day consisting of handmade jewelry, mead, fire, an unbelievable amount of meat and potatoes, costumes, bagpipes, and a great assortment of hot drinks, spiced and fortified with various alchohol.

This year I most enjoyed two things.

1. Mouse Roulette. Frederick was once a great wizard and after an unfortunate run in with a witch, was destined to live out his days as a mouse. He now travels with the festival and people place bets to see, when placed in a miniature courtyard, which house he will run into next. We were on the edges of our seats! Who needs Vegas?

2. Witches Brew! I love the holidays in Germany for all the hot drinks. There's Gluhwein (mulled wine), Feuerzangebowle (wine, caramalized sugar, rum) and many other variations of alchohol + flavorings + heat. I LOVE it. Witches Coffee is maybe my favorite. A big pot of coffee and rock sugar sits over the fire. A spiraled orange peel is held above as a ladel of alcohol (we're not told what) is lit on fire and poured down the peel, caramelizing and drippeing into the coffee. Topped off with whipped cream. It's not just the drink, but the whole atmosphere of sitting in a large tent around a fire and drinking from the large pot. The experience was magical.

A few more photos here.

What are you doing to keep your spirits up this winter?

WE: What's your favorite part of gift giving or shopping?

My answer...

Brainstorm bureau, originally uploaded by screenpunk.