The Continental Touch

On or around the 6th of January, to celebrate the 12th day of Christmas also known as the Epiphany, and to mark the end of the Christmas celebrations, we share La galette des Rois (the Kings’ pie), a puff pastry traditionally filled with marzipan, a sweet almond paste.

This French tradition can be traced back to the 14th century and has a certain charm to it, figuratively and literally: The‘galet…

Christmas and Boxing Day were truly about sharing:

1. Best wishes via cards, text messages, e-mails or Facebook. For obvious reasons, one extremely kind message from Muslim friends in Iran particularly touched me this year.

2. Time with elderly people in the family. At 92, the eldest guest enjoyed watching the youngest – aged 2, play and run about. And the youngest guests enjoyed, once again,…

Or when the Continental Touch goes wild…

Christmas lights originated in 19th century Germany, in christian homes. Back then, a tree was lit with candles in upper middle classes homes.

The illuminated Christmas tree started appearing in the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria’s reign. And this new tradition was exported to North America and Australia through emigration.

Since, things have evolved…

(more…)

Just the best with coffee  

One about coffee…

  I need to wake up, I keep on telling myself.

No new blog posts, yet, in 2015, and we are already in May!

The events of the beginning of the year, somehow, made me doubt CT and the concept behind it. How could I possibly keep on talking about cheerful aspects of Continental Europe in the current situation? Was it naive? Was it hypocritical?

And I decided that, naively, I would.…

Christmas Spritz Bredele recipe

Spritz Bredele Christmas cookies are popular in the North East of France (Alsace-Lorraine) and in neighbouring areas of Germany.

Their origins have been traced to the XIVth century in cities and villages situated along the Rhine river.

You’ll find hundreds of recipes online, they have been passed down from generation to generation. Every family applies its own ‘twist’, which ultimately leads to…

Saint Nicolas, a tale from Northern Continental Europe

Once upon a time, long long ago, three little children set off for a walk. They got lost and the night fell. Tired and hungry, they came across a nice enough looking man who invited them home, promising them food and a warm bed. The man was a butcher, not such a nice one after all… ‘Come in, come in, children!’ he said, ‘There is plenty of room and food for you here’. The children stepped in, not…

Greek Christmas – Kourabiedes recipe

Kourabiedes (κουραμπιέδες) are traditionally baked in Greece for Christmas, or occasionally for other family events like christenings.

In some parts of the country they are flavoured with Maticha (a liquor from Chios) or decorated with a clove, which symbolises the gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus on his birth.

Kourabiedes appeared in Greece during Ottoman rule (mid 15th century – 1821).

Back…

Beaujolais nouveau celebrations – happening now

Thanks to Μιχάλης Π, one of our readers in Athens – Greece – for this picture!

Click here to discover the 10 things you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau.

This year, the wine is showing ‘good balance, lively acidity and bright fruit flavours, suggesting a solid vintage overall’.

  Please drink responsibly. 

It’s Beaujolais Nouveau time!

Some people claim it’s a dying trend, others suggest it is making a comeback. One way or an other, today is Beaujolais Nouveau day! Everyone will probably agree it is not the best wine, but it gives us an opportunity to celebrate and get together in one of the dullest and darkest months of the year.

So here are 10 things you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau:

1. Beaujolais Nouveau Day is…