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?
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