How to experience Gemütlichkeit like a German
While Gemütlichkeit is a uniquely German concept, it’s a sentiment that can be appreciated and adopted all around the world. With no direct English translation, Gemütlichkeit describes a state of well-being, cosiness, and good cheer that comes from a sense of belonging, community and interaction with the people whose company one enjoys most. It’s perhaps most cherished during celebrations, festivities and even public events where the sense of togetherness is more so prevalent.
However, you don’t have to attend Oktoberfest to get a glimpse of this warm and fuzzy feeling, and you may experience it in your everyday life more times than you realise. When you’re cosied up at the local pub with your nearest and dearest, enjoying a hearty meal and good conversation, that’s Gemütlichkeit. When you invite a few people over for dinner and you’re all standing around the kitchen aisle nibbling on entrees and jamming to the Spotify playlist, that’s Gemütlichkeit too. When you go camping with family and friends and you’re all sitting in a circle, passing around snacks and drinks until late into the night, you guessed, it’s Gemütlichkeit!
Food is almost always the common thread in experiencing Gemütlichkeit in all its settings and variations. In fact, the act of cooking for others and enjoying a meal at the same table has always brought people together, strengthening bonds and allowing us to savour the moment and truly connect with one another. Whether it’s a fork tender meat stew slowly simmered for hours over the stove to serve at the family’s Sunday lunch, or a batch of biscuits baked for a friend’s birthday, the act of creating something with your hands and sharing it with others truly encapsulates the essence of Gemütlichkeit. Just the act of slowing down to cook, then standing back to admire your creation, will have you feeling warm and content. And that first taste, shared with loved ones? Pure Gemütlichkeit.
Below we’ve compiled a list of recipes so you can create all things Gemütlichkeit at home this winter.
Glühwein is one of the ultimate cosy, winter beverages. In Germany, it’s the quintessential drink to have while strolling through a Christmas market. It translates to mulled wine in English, and is perfect for when you’re craving something warming and sweet. Red wine is gently simmered in our blend of traditional mulling spices and then gently sweetened with vanilla bean sugar. A fantastic alcohol-free alternative to Glühwein is Kinderpunsch.
Classic German Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Carrots
This hearty meal of homemade meatballs, slow-cooked carrots and mashed potato is comfort food at its finest, filling the belly and warming the soul.
Mum’s Sweet and Sour Bean Soup
A simple soup that’s packed full of flavour with speck, potatoes and green beans. The broth is beautifully seasoned with a sweet and sour mix and a favourite herb in the German cooking repertoire: Bohnenkraut (Summer Savoury). The perfect light meal, or accompaniment to a larger spread.
Bavarian Whole Roast Chicken with South German Potato Salad
A delicious, German twist on the classic that is a roast chicken dinner. Bavarian-style potato salad is made with an oil-based dressing rather than a creamy mayonnaise. We bet you can’t guess the secret ingredient!
This traditional Hungarian gulasch is rich, meaty and full of flavour. Make it like Oma Rosa used to and serve with our Silesian Potato Dumplings, sauerkraut and sour cream.
Bratkartoffel Farmer’s Breakfast
The perfect breakfast in bed. Featuring our popular Bratkartoffel spice, this farmer’s breakfast is made with potatoes, eggs, capsicum, sausage and spring onion.
A European classic, apfelstrudel is a delicious dessert or afternoon tea treat. Gently spiced apples are encased in homemade strudel dough and baked until golden. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream.
These moreish cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or crumbled over vanilla bean ice cream. They also make a wonderful gift for a friend or neighbour.
An irresistible, moist crumb filled with heavily spiced apples and whipped cream. This triple-decker truly takes the cake!
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