Gingerbread World: Lebkuchen, Marzipan, Stollen...

Snow background -- that's me wishing for snow. Preferably before Christmas. A white December makes it look so much more Christmasy. Even Christmas songs sound lovelier when there's snow on the ground. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... and Lebkuchen

Some years ago we created gingerbread houses with our students. What a sticky mess! There was icing everywhere and our gingerbread house were crooked, the candies wouldn't stick and kept sliding down the roof (go figure, because our fingers were certainly sticky enough.) but the children were happy. It didn't seem to matter to them that the teachers were more than a little frazzled. But then, we didn't lick half as much icing or pop every other candy into our mouth. Aahh, sweet gingerbread memories!

Lebkuchen Schmidt Large Festive Box

I started dreaming about gingerbread and other European Christmas yummies, back in September when my name was drawn at the annual Manitoba Teachers of German In-Service. My prize: a $25. gift certificate for Gingerbread World in Winnipeg! I'm glad it came with their catalogue because I had never heard of it before. Just leafing through these pages is a mouth-watering experience - Lebkuchen, Chocolates, Marzipan, Stollen, Gummi Bears, Christmas cookies...and everything is from Europe! I was looking forward to walking into this shop, but then I learned there is no actual shop. You go to the website and order online. Thus, I emailed my shopping list and the owner kindly allowed me to pick up my goodies at her house. Apparently they have a warehouse and mostly mail out their orders.

Waldfabrik Christmas Card

 

If you'd like to add European flavours to your Christmas festivities or delight loved ones with a unique gift package, Gingerbread World is the place to go. I'd be delighted to find anyone of their fabulous gift packages under our tree. As you'll notice when you visit their website, many of their products are sold out already; and it's not even December yet! But there are still lots of goodies to choose from. They also have non-edible gifts: ornaments, nativities, cards, toys and puzzles. If you're more of a hands-on person, there will be a Gingerbread World booth at the annual Winnipeg Christkinlmarkt which will take place at Holy Cross Gym Hall, 290 Dubuc Street, November 26 and 27, 2016.
Which reminds me, Crystal Springs Hutterite Colony Choir will be singing there on the 26th this year, along with many other choirs and bands. It's always a very festive event, filled with the tastes, sights, sounds and scents of the season.

I was able to pick up my order yesterday (below). Now I can't wait to try these unique treats. Maybe I'll even convince myself to tuck one under the Christmas tree for someone else to enjoy.

My sincere thanks to the Manitoba Teachers of German organizing committee and 

Tamara, owner of Gingerbread World!!