family traditions


Weihnachten: Christmas in Germany

Advent traditions, Christmas markets, traditional German Christmas food, Christmas trees, stars and nativity scenes, Christmas Eve celebrations … and the cold! These are the things I remember most about Weihnachten, Christmas in Germany. At Christmastime in 2015 my husband Tony … Read More

Zimtsterne, Cinnamon Stars

Zimtsterne (“Cinnamon Stars”)

In 2015, while visiting my family in Germany, I learnt how to make Zimtsterne, that is, Cinnamon Stars. Zimtsterne are traditional German Christmas biscuits sold at Christmas markets and in grocery stores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland during Advent, the … Read More

Fail-Me-Never Steamed Pudding

This post, which features Fail-Me-Never Steamed Pudding, is all about puddings. It includes puddings my grandmother and mother made as well as my favourite puddings. Fail-Me-Never Steamed Pudding is one of my favourites (as you will discover). I remember my … Read More

Grandparenting: Ain’t it Grand

This story is about grandparenting. It’s a compilation of strategies and examples of activities my husband Tony and I have found helpful in building strong loving relationships with our grandchildren. The examples cover what I call face-to-face and long-distant grandparenting. … Read More

Dida’s Caramel Slice

Last year, around this time, my husband Tony and our grandchildren made caramel slice. Given that our grandchildren were coming to stay with us for a couple of weeks in the school holidays, Tony planned a cooking activity for them. … Read More

Easter in Germany: Bavaria

Several years ago, my husband Tony and I had the privilege of celebrating Easter twice: first in Bavaria, Germany, then one week later, in Jordan. This story is about our experience of Easter with our extended family in the southern … Read More

Pasta Bake (and family traditions)

Are you feeling tired – struggling to juggle work, household tasks and family commitments?  Then my story “Pasta Bake” and accompanying recipe is especially for you. It’s a follow-up story to The Ubiquitous Carrot Cake (November 1, 2015), in which … Read More

Christmas cake Aussie-style

A Christmas cake has always been an essential part of my family’s Christmas fare. The cake is usually prepared and baked 4-5 weeks before Christmas and stored in an air-tight container in a cool dry place until its grand appearance … Read More

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Short stories from the heart...about life, family and local history, people, places and food.

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