German Gingerbread Spice, Lebkuchengewuerz, is one of those versatile store cupboard staples which can be used for many things throughout the year. From flavoring pumpkin pie, hot chocolate or yoghurt with apple, to the gingerbread for witches cottages, cookies and hearts.

A German "Bauernfruehstueck", Farmer's Breakfast, has many variations but is basically a large hash of potatoes, ham or bacon and onions, which, especially in the colder months, not only makes a delicious and popular addition to a breakfast table but at any time of the day.

Used for everything from a topping for ice cream to a 'cure' for arthritis in Germany, 'Elderflower Cordial', also known as Elderflower Syrup, is fragrant, refreshing, easy to make and comes from the elder shrub found in the wild almost everywhere.

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Vanilla Crescents and Cinnamon Stars are two of the most popular Weihnachts plaetzen, the traditional Holiday Cookies, or Weihnachtskekse, that are a central, and indispensable, part of Germany's Christmas culture.

Caramelized Almonds are delicious candied almonds eaten throughout the year in Germany. Freshly cooked and bought from festival or street side stalls, or made at home. While at Christmas, 'Weihnachtsmaerkte, Gluehwein and Gebrannte Mandeln' are an unbeatable combination.

Germany has a Day of German Beer, "Tag des Deutschen Bieres" April 23, beer is considered a food in Bavaria but just enjoyed elsewhere, there are 1,500 varieties and 5,000 breweries. Facts about the age old drink Mark Twain described as "As Different as Hens in a Farmyard", Germany's Beer.

From early Spring through Summer and Autumn, "Biergaerten", Beer Gardens, are a favorite warm weather pastime throughout Germany. But their origins were simply a use of chestnut tree shaded areas covering underground beer storage cellars, in 19th century Bavaria.

It is a social tradition in Germany. Four o'clock in the afternoon is the time for Kaffee und Kuchen, coffee and cake. One of the most popular cakes to be chosen to accompany that cup of coffee will be 'Streuselkuchen', a delicious Fruit Crumble Cake.

"The Awful German Language" is an essay written by Mark Twain after a stay in "The Land of Poets and Thinkers", where the language can be almost as complicated as its reputation. But a sense of humor helped when he tried to learn it, making the process if not easier then at least fun.