Silvesterbowle – New Year’s Eve Punch with Fruit

This is a simpler version of the New Year’s Eve punch and my personal favorite. It is lower in alcoholic content than the Silvesterpunsch (avoid those hangovers!) and very pleasant to drink.

Difficulty: Easy.

Preparation Time: Very little, but best started one day in advance.

Portions: About 10 as specified, can be adjusted.

 Ingredients:

  • One 24 oz can or two smaller cans of canned fruit (strawberries, sliced peaches or pineapple chunks).
  • 750 ml bottle of white wine (preferably Riesling).
  • 750 ml bottle of champagne (not too dry).
  • Sugar.

Preparation:

  1. One day in advance: Put the canned fruit and the white wine into a large punch bowl. Keep in refrigerator until shortly before serving.
  2. When ready to serve, add chilled champagne to punch bowl.
  3. Add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, to taste.
  4. Ladle into punch glasses including pieces of fruit. Serve chilled and provide cocktail spears for the fruit pieces.

The quantities given above will be appropriate for about 3 to 4 persons. Multiply for larger parties.

Silvesterpunsch – New Year’s Eve Punch Bowl Recipe

New Year’s Eve in Germany wouldn’t be the same without a large bowl of this, for even a meager gathering of 4 people. Very easy to make, and delicious.

Difficulty: Easy.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Portions: 11 cups, approximate.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 750 ml bottle of dry white wine
  • 750 ml bottle of dry red wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup dark Jamaican rum

Preparation:

  1. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a large pot, while stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Add the wines and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the rum and lemon juice.
  3. Ladle the punch into cups and serve warm.

Buttergebäck – German Butter Cookie Recipe

One thing you will always find at any German bakery are butter cookies. Kids love them, and Omas always have a stash for the kiddies. They are a great staple for sweet trays around the holidays too, and can be cut into any shape you like. They are definitely one of my guilty pleasures this time of year! 🙂

Difficulty: Moderate.
Preparation Time: *See recipe.
Portions: 3 + dozen.

Ingredients:

  • 6 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 pound butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 c. sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 c. fruity wine, such as Riesling

Read more Buttergebäck – German Butter Cookie Recipe

Rumtopf – Preserving Seasonal Fruits Pt. 3

This is the final installation of our Rumtopf series. The recipe is very easy, it’s the wait that is difficult!

Difficulty: Easy.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes.
Total Time: 42 days
Portions: 10.

Ingredients:Rumtopf

  • 2 lbs fruit (strawberries, plums, cherries, peaches, pears, raspberries, currants, blueberries, gooseberries, …)
  • 1 lb sugar
  • 3 cups rum

Read more Rumtopf – Preserving Seasonal Fruits Pt. 3

Rumtopf – Preserving Seasonal Fruits Pt.1

Rumtopf is a longstanding German tradition in which various fruits are collected and preserved in rum for months. As is the case with wines, this gets better with age if done properly. There are special pots that one can purchase to preserve and maintain the necessary conditions. Imagine my giddiness when I saw that one of my favorite “go to” German shops began carrying them.

The Rumtopf at the German Deli is not only visually appealing, but also the perfect size to make a batch big enough to share over the holidays with friends and family. This is an item that can be passed down to your kids to keep your German traditions alive. That’s why I have already ordered mine.

In Pt. 2, we will look into how to prepare our Rumtopf.

See also:

Rumtopf – Preserving Seasonal Fruits Pt.2

Rumtopf – Preserving Seasonal Fruits Pt. 3

German Traditions

Eierpunsch mit Rotwein – Egg punch with Red Wine Recipe

This is a festive holiday drink, made to serve family and friends to celebrate Christmas and New Years (Silvester).  You may also substitute the wine with a non-alcoholic version.

Difficulty: Easy.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Portions: 2 – 3.

Ingredients:Eierpunsch

  • 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
  • 4 eggs (or 8 egg yolks)
  • 5 tablespoons of sugar
  • one packet of vanilla sugar
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 2 cloves
  • splash of lemon or lemon juice

Preparation:

  1. Whisk the sugar into the eggs (or egg yolks) and add a little cold red wine, and then beat vigorously.
  2. Add the vanilla sugar, mixing in thoroughly.
  3. Add the remainder of the red wine and heat with some cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice.
  4. Just before it comes to a boil, remove the pot from the heat. Strain and let cool a bit.
  5. Serve hot and foamy.

Read more Eierpunsch mit Rotwein – Egg punch with Red Wine Recipe