chestnuts Archives - Spoon & Suitcase

This story was ready to hit the press on Christmas Eve but because of wifi issues onboard our river cruise, the photos could not be uploaded.

It’s Christmas Eve in Passau, Germany. My mom and I are breaking tradition to enjoy a European holiday via a river cruise that stops everyday in charming towns along the Danube. This is a special time of year because the Christmas Markets, or Christkindlmarkt, light up and give warmth to the cold, bringing family and friends together to celebrate the season.

A spectacular backdrop for these festive markets.

Huddled together sharing good food, good drink and good times.

All you need to keep warm is a mug of Glühwein, a hot spiced red wine and brandy concoction with the optional spike of rum. Everything is really happy after just one of these!

These stands dominate the markets. I loved their display of mugs.

The Christmas markets date back to as early as 1294, the first markets taking place in Germany and Austria. The medieval markets provided the warmth of fires, supplies such as hats, gloves and coats, pots of hot soup and I’m sure plenty of warm drink. This was a gathering place for camaraderie and merriment.

Bratwurst is the king of Bavaria. Three skinny grilled sausages are served in a rye bread bun, slathered with local spicy mustard and a heaping of sauerkraut. It's delicious! — Bratwurst is the king of Bavaria. Three skinny grilled sausages are served in a rye bread bun, slathered with local spicy mustard and a heaping of sauerkraut. It’s delicious!

These two guys are serious about their brats!

Nuremburg all dressed up for the holidays.

These traditional Bavarian figures made of walnuts and prunes date have their origins in the 17th century. — These traditional Bavarian figures made of walnuts and prunes have their origins in the 17th century.

The artisans that display their work here all unite to recreate the feel of the Middle Ages and what may have been the handcrafts of the time. Decorated stalls of handmade ornaments of straw and wood, beeswax candles, all forms of angels, toys, intricate wooden silhouettes, traditional cookies and strudel line the streets.

Star lights illuminate the night and bring color and art to life.

Gingerbread is an old recipe that originally was made with just flour, honey and spices. It has remained a favorite cookie, each baker presenting their own flair for design.

Warm, freshly roasted chestnuts are the perfect accompaniment to the drinks. — Warm, freshly roasted chestnuts are the perfect accompaniment to the hot drinks.

So many ornaments! These are artfully carved of wood and each is different from the next.

This is a Germknodel Kirsch. A large soft roll, stuffed with cherries and doused with hot vanilla cream. — This woman putting the finishing touches on a Germknodel Kirsch. A large soft roll, stuffed with cherries and doused with hot vanilla cream.

Another favorite, cherry and apple strudel.

This gold angel is a symbol of the Nuremburg Christmas.

Loving the Gluhwein, again! An instant warm up! — Loving the Glühwein, again! An instant warm up!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, filled with love and joy. Listen always to your heart and always believe!

Frohe Weihnachten!

Buon Natale!

Joyeux Noël!

Love,

Mary

Last week Angela and I ventured into the hills to find a “festa of the hills” or a celebration of life in medieval times. Once outside of Lucca, we began climbing up narrow winding roads, up to the clouds it seemed. The vistas took my breath away.

Now this is the Tuscany I had envisioned. Grandiose villas interspersed with burnt orange vineyards, olive trees bursting with fruit, ranging from deep purple to olive green, ancient stone towers poking up here and there and just a peaceful greeness overall if that makes sense.

Tuscan vistas. A little hazy but still stunning.

Angela and her pup Gilda sharing a smile.

After twisting and turning for half an hour, we spot a hand carved sign for A Colli Festa pointing up a walkway to the small villa of St. Pietro a Marcigliano.

Let’s go!

At the entrance a woman hands us fresh bread drizzled with her homemade olive oil with a sprinkling of salt. Such a kind welcome.

Up the road men and woman in period costume show children how to shoot a wooden bow and arrow.

Next to them I watch a game of eye-hand coordination. A nut rolls down a wooden slide as a villager uses a mallet in an attempt to squash the nut at the end before it escapes to the ground.

The cobblestone streets are crowded with local artisans displaying their crafts from carved olive bowls to hand- woven baskets.

Torta Verdura or Torta co’bbecchi

This crowd favorite is a traditional Lucca torte made with Swiss Chard, spices, liquor- infused raisins, candied oranges and pine nuts. Even though it is green, it is served as a dessert. I learned he recipe in a cooking class here and will post it when I return.

What’s a festa without the hot mulled wine?

The beginnings of one of my favorites – fried pasta! The dough is rolled thick and cut into rectangles.

Into the oil it goes, puffing and rising to the top as it browns.

Pasta frittam. Tossed in salt. Yum! This sort of ” donut” is delicious and reminiscent of Indian fry bread.

It’s a family affair.

The longest line is for the roasted chestnuts served warm in paper triangles. The six gentlemen manning the open fires are in their element, tossing the baskets of nuts in the air, catching them, then shaking them over the fire.

My favorite roaster to watch! Don’t you love his tossle of hair?

The party heats up as the sun goes down. All age ranges are mingling, laughing and celebrating life.

I love being a part of Italian living!

Ciao

Maria

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Tag: chestnuts

Magical Christmas Markets

A Colli Festa

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