Both of you faithful readers of this blog probably remember that on occasion I’ve mentioned the Oxforts – good friends of ours here in Shepherdstown. Winfried and Anne are from Germany and have lots and lots and lots of great stories. We get together often at each others houses or go out to dinner together. For the past few years from time to time the subject of Feuerzangenbowle comes up. Every year we agree it’s time for us to experience this tradition.
Well, this was the year! Last Sunday, we had dinner at the Oxforts (along with another couple – Fred and Mary Dubay.) And we finally got to participate in the Feuerzangenbowle festivities.
About now, if you haven’t abandoned reading and gone into your extensive research mode, you’re probably wondering what the heck is a Feuerzangenbowle? Well, I’m about to tell you. A Feuerzangenbowle is fun anytime, but it’s often part of a Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebration. It is a traditional German (there’s actually some debate as to whether it was “invented” in Austria or Germany, but that’s not important here) alcoholic drink, but the presentation and festivities are what really make it special.
Basically, what happens is that a rum-soaked sugar cone is set on fire and drips into mulled wine. Feuerzangenbowle translates literally to “fire-tongs punch.”
The mulled wine is prepared in a bowl, sort of like a fondue set, with the bowl suspend over a small burner or candle to keep it warm. A grate (called a Feuerzange) is placed over the bowl and the sugar cone (called the Zuckerhut) is placed on the grate. The sugar cone is a conical lump of sugar about seven inches long. The sugar is soaked with rum and set on fire (you pretty much keep pouring the rum over the cone continuously) and it melts and caramelizes as it drips through the grate and mixes into the wine. The resulting punch is served in mugs – the burner or candle keeps the bowl warm.
Needless to say, we all had a great time watching the sugar burn ( and drinking the punch.)
As I mentioned, the drink(s) were great, but the ceremony was more important – conveying a notion of Gemütlichkeit.
I know, now you’re wondering what that is – it basically means “coziness,” but actually it conveys the notion of belonging, social acceptance, cheerfulness, the absence of anything hectic and the opportunity to spend quality time.
What a great way to kick off the Christmas season….
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