Spaetzle. What are they and how are they served. Documented back as far as the 11th Century, it is a traditional German pasta dish that played an important role in every day diets until potatoes were finally accepted in Germany. Try some popular regional Spaetzle favorites.

Flammkuchen is literally "Flaming Cake", a wafer thin pizza type crust topped by a delicious combination of classic ingredients. A year-round German favorite it originated in Alsace, an area of Europe which has spent much of the last centuries belonging to either France or Germany.

Carnival in Germany began with the masked Teutons who created noise and turmoil to frighten away winter's evil spirits, and now Thursday before Ash Wednesday is Weiberfastnacht in the Rhineland. 'Wieber', women, take over City Halls, cause chaos and no necktie is safe from their jumbo scissors.

It is not a good idea to wish a German "Geburtstagkind", Birthday Child, "Happy Birthday" until the actual day, one minute after midnight but not before, while someone celebrating their 90th needs a very large cake, perhaps even a fire extinguisher. Why? It's "Birthdays" the German way.

Karneval, Germany's Mardi Gras, where the different regions have very different traditions. Crazy, zany, 'Kuesschen, Kater und Krapfen', when "The Fifth and Foolish Season" takes over city streets. Although it's not enjoyed by everyone, Karnevalsmuffel - Carnival Grouchers head for the hills.

German Spaetzle, little egg rich pasta noodles or dumplings, have been one of Southern Germany's "Comfort Foods" for centuries, and have not only spread all over the country but across the world. A treasured memory from home for German emigrants. Short history and authentic recipe.

Their original inspiration was an Emperor's love of meat covered with gold leaf. Germany’s Schnitzel are thin breaded cutlets, delicious, simple to make, and in all their variations, different meats, vegetarian alternatives, sauces, are one of Germany’s favorite meals.

Kaeseigel, the Cheese Hedgehog, a "Retro" party snack from Germany. Now enjoying a popular and widespread renaissance, it was the ultimate cold buffet food during the 1960's and 1970's.

Germany has a deserved reputation as one of the world's best kept and well ordered countries. In fact house cleaning companies across the globe advertise themselves as offering "German House Cleaning". And even in the "laid back" 21st century this image is reflected in life.

A festival is not a festival in Germany unless there is some type of favorite food involved, and for Karneval, Germany's Mardi Gras, it is Faschingskrapfen, Berliner, Pfannkuchen, Fastnachtskrapfen. The same thing, different name, depending on your region: The Carnival Jelly Donut.