Cooling drinks for those hot days during a German summer range from all types of colorful Fruit Punch and Radler to Apfelschorle and Cola-Schoppen. "Summer in a Glass" to suit not only all tastes but also sunless as well as sunny days.

Mouths water on Good Friday in Muensterland as for generations it has been the tradition to serve Struwen, fried yeast pancakes. Originally made only for the Lenten Fast now they are enjoyed throughout the year, nevertheless few Muensterland tables will be without them on Karfreitag.

"Koelner Martinsgans" is a delicious St. Martin's Goose specialty from Cologne. Roast Goose, Red Cabbage and Dumplings are enjoyed from autumn onwards, not only for the Christmas, New Year's Eve and St. Martin's Day festivities, and here is a recipe with the traditional side dishes.

Spaetzle. What are they and how are they served. Documented back as far as the 11th Century, this traditional German pasta dish played an important role in the every day diet until potatoes were finally accepted in Germany. Try some popular regional Spaetzle favorites.

For anyone who likes nuts here are two quick, simple and delicious cookie recipes. Classics from "Oma's kitchen" they are favorites found on any dish of German "Weihnachtsplaetzchen", Christmas Cookies, but are enjoyed all year round.

It is a quirky way of trying to tell the future, melting a heavy metal, dropping it into water and divining the future from the shape it makes. Originating in antiquity "lead pouring" remains a favorite amongst the many German New Year traditions, but there is an "eco-friendly" version.

Germany's inventors and scientists, past and present, have helped build the country's reputation for invention and technology. However many of the items used in homes worldwide, including toothpaste, were created in German kitchens, attics and workshops, not only laboratories.

Potato salads have become a favorite throughout Europe but "Warm Potato Salads" originated in Germany, where they have been a popular staple of the country’s cuisine for centuries.

Halloween has arrived in Germany. Witches, Germany's "Forest Goddesses" in pagan times, have returned, carved pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons are now seen on the streets, but it is celebrated alongside the country's centuries old "All Saints" and "All Souls" Day traditions.

Gummy Bears began life in 1922 as fruit gummi Dancing Bears, in a small German confectionery company. Their form based on dancing bears and a Teddy Bear. Today as a cult candy, not only for children but also "grown-ups", they are used for couture dresses, party "Hedgehogs" and Vodka cocktails.