and other day trip tales…
The weather was cold and blustery when we began our journey, Saturday morning, to the pretty little town of Hermann Missouri, about an hour from home.
KRISTKINDL MARKT
The first booth we saw, upon arrival, was Stone Hill Winery. The winery provided the venue at the event December 4 and 5. Hermannhof Festhalle will be the site for the Markt, December 11 and 12.
Stone Hill was serving samples of hot mulled wine that hit the spot after the cold and windy walk from the car.
Carolers, in costume, entertained with traditional Christmas Carols.
At 4 Seasons Bakery, we purchased Stollen and a variety of cookies.
A Brief History of Stollen
(provided by 4 Seasons Bakery owner at Kristkindl Markt)
Dresdner Stollen is said to have originated in 1329 as a result of a contest offered by the Bishop of Nauruburg. Bakers in the region produced a wonderful bread baked with the finest butter, sugar, raisins, citron, and other specialty ingredients. The Bishop enjoyed the Stollen so much that he ordered a quantity of grain saved for Stollen only.
Stollen at that time were baked in loaves weighing 30 pounds. Stollen became such a part of Dresdeners’ lives that it was cut and served with special, Stollen only utensils. It was also tradition that the first piece of Stollen was set aside and kept to ensure the family would be able to afford a Stollen the following year and the last piece saved to ensure the family had enough food for the year.
The Stollen, shaped with tapered ends and a ridge down the center, sympolizes the Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes, in which it was customary to wrap newly born children.
J had the first slice of delicious Stollen, at breakfast this morning, and will probably have the last slice, as well.
4 Seasons Bakery is located in Saint Charles Missouri. More information is found at the Bakery’s beautiful website. I highly recommend visiting the site HERE.
Plates and mugs are Certified International. The artist is, Pamela Gladding.
Day trip continued…
After leaving Kristkindl Markt, at Stone Hill Winery, we wandered over to Hermannhof Winery where we had wine and cheese beside a toasty fire.
Hermannhof Winery
Scenes Around Hermann
Excerpt from Hermann Missouri website.
German immigrants from the Rhine River valley brought their customs and culture to the Missouri River Valley in the 1830's. The Area overlooking the Missouri River is officially recognized as America's First Wine District. Today, Missouri wineries along the Missouri River are receiving considerable attention for winning national and international wine competitions. In addition to tasting fine wines, visitors can enjoy the tours, specialty shops, bakeries, bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants and live entertainment. Bikers and hikers can take in the scenery along the the Katy Trail, a former railroad right-of-way converted into a scenic path through the valley.
Click HERE to read more about Hermann Missouri.
Missouri Wine information at Missouri Wine Country and a List of Missouri Wineries.
While at Kristkindl Markt we sampled Summer Sausage at the Swiss Meat & Sausage Company’s booth.
In the afternoon, we drove over to Swiss Missouri, where we purchased several items for our Christmas family gathering. J was amazed to learn the company produces 52 varieties of Bratwurst. Needless to say, we brought home a few to try.
Swiss Meat & Sausage Company, winner of state and national awards, has appeared on Food Network.
KRISTKINDL MARKT DECEMBER 11 & 12
If you live in our area and would like to visit Hermann, be sure to check the Hermann site for Kristkindl Markt events, next weekend; these include a tour of homes and St George Church rectory.
I’ve added several links in this post, all absolutely worth exploration.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
J draped this bench with fresh greenery. I made a red bow to embellish the greenery. The outside is finished, I think. At least I hope so. It’s 28 degrees this evening and has been in 20’s all day, as far as I know.
We have no snow. Wouldn’t mind a tad bit; no ice though.
Monday, I am going to try to visit everyone I missed visiting today. Internet has been fussy. I visited a few folks, but WiFi abandoned me many times…aggravating.
I receive no compensation for the mention of businesses, at Back Porch Musings.
I write for enjoyment and to inform about our part of the world.
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