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

Father’s Day in Germany. A "moveable feast" holiday linked to Ascension Day it changes each year, while for those who are new to it the first experience can come as a bit of a shock, as a variable date is not the only way the celebration differs from other countries.

With each season's arrival it's "makeover time" for Germany's window boxes. From spring bulbs and flowers throughout the year, colorful plant and flower filled containers are everywhere, from door stoops and window ledges in narrow shaded streets to trailing down from apartment block balconies.

May 1st means Tanz in den Mai, Dancing into May, in many regions of Germany. Beginning with Walpurgisnacht, the evening of April 30, when witches were believed to join the festivities, it continues with May Day Maypoles, dancing and traditions, which last until deep into the night.

Sophie Scholl was 21, a leader of The White Rose, a non-violent resistance group of Munich University students, and one of many Germans who did not support the Nazi regime. In February 1943 she was executed for treason, together with her brother Hans and their friend Christoph Probst.

Germany's different regions follow many of their own traditional, sometimes unusual, wedding customs, but throughout the country May is the most popular month to get married. Age old traditions begin weeks before the ceremony and celebrations can last for days.

The Christian festival began with Palm Sunday and Easter and ends with Pentecost and Corpus Christi, celebrated in German speaking areas with a colorful mix of religious, secular and pre-Christian traditions, ranging from devotional processions to decorated oxen.

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.

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

Sweet Woodruff is the scent of early summer, and added to White Wine makes May Punch, Maibowle, a favorite May time beverage in Germany which joins the months other festivities and customs. Its season is brief but perfect for those first warm spring and summer evenings.