Medieval monks really knew how to twist the rule book during Fasts like Lent, and this 13th century recipe, with chicken breasts rather than the "Fish not Fowl" Beaver Tails used in the Middle Ages, is a delicious example.

Special beers and secret recipes ensured a Lenten Fast was never all about deprivation for German monks. Their traditions, and fast breaking recipes, soon spread outside monastery walls, including "Herrgottsbescheisserle", Little Cheaters of the Lord, an over sized ravioli.

Don't whatever you do wish a German Geburtstagkind, Birthday Child, Happy Birthday until the actual day. One minute after midnight yes, but not a second before. While someone celebrating their 90th needs a very large cake, perhaps even a fire extinguisher. Why? It's "Birthdays" the German way.

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

Gartenzwerg are another of Germany's many 'inventions'. They are the Gnomes who disappear in the fall, re-appear with spring and spend summer protecting German gardens. Kitsch, folklore, good luck symbols, and for a protector about as far from frightening as it is possible to be.

By bicycle, car, or of course with seven league boots, the Fairy Tale Road in Germany is a magical journey in the footsteps of Brothers Grimm. Through medieval villages, unspoiled nature and stunning views to a castle filled world of fantasy, sagas, myths and legends.

In the days of a communist East Germany meals were planned around what was available that day. Queues were long and legendary and a banana was to be seen on television but rarely in a store. Appetizing healthy food was served nevertheless, and here is a "Taste of East Germany".

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

Kaeseigel, the Cheese Hedgehog, a "Retro" party snack from Germany. Enjoying a popular and widespread renaissance it was the ultimate cold buffet food during the 1960's and 1970's, and is now just as likely to be found accompanying a summer BBQ as a snack during winter months.

Oktoberfest in Munich: The super sized version of a traditional Bavarian harvest festival, and heart shaped gingerbread cookies decorated with mottoes are an unmissable part of its calorific food, and a 'sweet' accompaniment to 'Wiesn-Mass', Oktoberfest beer.