BADEN-BADEN

My friend was eager to delve into her roots in Germany after the Viking Cruise, and I was happy to accompany her. Baden-Baden was not on my list of places to visit, so I was pleased she discovered her heritage there, prompting our trip to the area. Baden-Baden is a spa town in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in south-western Germany, at the border of the Black Forest mountain range. It’s not easy to locate on a map, and to be honest, I’m not quite sure how we even got there.

After our arrival, we boarded a local bus bound for the Black Forest, intending to hike along one of the trails. As the bus ascended the mountain, I observed an increasing number of older, as in seniors, individuals boarding the bus with cross-country and downhill skis. It seems that Germans, along with Europeans in general, possess a remarkable physical vigor, by frequently engaging in biking, walking and hiking. Upon reaching our destination, I discovered that the trails and surrounding area were blanketed in snow. Ski slopes were interspersed throughout the landscape, and since we lacked skis and boots, we opted to sit and observe the skiers. Among them were not only senior skiers but also children as young as four years old navigating the slopes. The scenery was stunning, even though we visited at the onset of spring, with only a hint of foliage beginning to emerge.

Since we were in the Black Forest we decided to look for the renowned Black Forest Cake. The origins of the cake and its name are disputed. However, the cake’s recipe from 1927 is kept in an archive in Radolfzell, Germany. Black Forest cake became popular in the second half of the 20th century and is now featured internationally in cafés and restaurants. It is made with Kirschwasser cherries. The cherries are fermented completely, including their stones. Unlike cherry liqueurs and cherry brandies the Kirshwasser cherry is not sweet. To be a true “Black Forest” cake the cherries must come from the Black Forest region.

I can tell you that Betty Crocker changed it significantly. We were disappointed with the first pastry shop. The chocolate was very light and did not have a heavy chocolate taste. In addition, the Kirshwasser cherries had a bitter taste and the icing was white. It was the same in all the pastry shops we visited.

Betty used a dark chocolate cake mix, a can of cherry pie filling and dark chocolate icing – it was what I was accustomed to and I preferred Betty’s version. To wash the cake down we had a pretzel sandwich and a glass of cold sauerkraut juice. I know it sounds awful – and it was!

Lent is a time of giving up things. Giving up anything that does not bring you holy joy. This lent consider giving up stress, hostility, bitterness and hatred. God created us to be happy and enjoy His gifts.