The holiday season is in full swing and throughout Germany it began with the first days of Advent, while on the 5th/6th December the annual visit from St. Nicholas takes place.

One of the traditions during the winter holiday season, and to a lesser extent the whole year, are the giving, receiving and 'eating' of SPECULAAS THE ORIGINAL 'AIRLINE COOKIE'.

The caramelized cookies are to be found everywhere in Germany, from accompanying that 'cup of coffee' at the hair stylists to a pavement café, but they have been part of the St. Nicholas and Christmas holiday traditions for centuries, long before they became known for 'Biscoff'.

SPECULAAS, its story and a recipe

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art174217.asp


ST. NICHOLAS Eve and Day in Germany

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48385.asp




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Francine McKenna,
German Culture Editor
http://germanculture.bellaonline.com