I wondered, “What exactly is Advent?” A little research of the word gave me a generic answer that advent comes from the Latin word adventus — arrival. According to some scholars, it originated as the time when converts to Christianity prepare for their baptism. It later became commonly associated with the countdown of Christ’s birth. The Advent calendar is given credit to German-born Gerhard Lang in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In the 1930s Advent calendars containing chocolates and cookies became popular. This leads us to the Lebkuchen Schmidt Advent Calendar. A tradition from Bavaria, this calendar offers individually wrapped Lebkuchen specialties behind each door/date leading up to one of the most joyful holidays for those who believe.
What a great tradition to carry on or start with your family.
Note: Advent 2023 begins on Sunday, December 3rd.
Featuring illustrations of the Nuremberg market and a Rauschgoldengel — a gold foil angel memorializing a doll maker’s daughter from the 16th century, this cookie tin beautifully holds some of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted. The Elisen Lebkuchen are glazed and chocolate-covered cookies made with a hint of citrus and tree nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds). Similar in size of New York’s black & white cookies, these treats are a bit larger, plumper and packed with a savory/sweet flavor that captures the essence of the region. The reusable tin will remind the recipient of new traditions with old-world charm.
For those on your list who like a little nip after a holiday meal, I present the Asbach Chocolate Assortment. This small gift box contains an assortment of best-selling Asbach Uralt Brandy-filled chocolates. The select ingredients include sugar crust, cherry, praline, and coffee varieties. Truly a decadent treat, these chocolates have been recognized by some of the world’s leading confectioners as the best of the best in its category of liquor-filled bon bons. Prost! ¡Salud! Cheers!
Celebrating Salzburg, a Viennese Christmas and all of Austria surroundings, this delicious composition of dark cocoa marzipan mixed with the finest bitter-sweet chocolate and dark praline salutes Mozart himself. These popular chocolates take center stage and the spotlight during the holiday season and enjoyed from the Danube to the Hudson River and around the globe. Would Mozart indulge on a chocolate baring his image and name? My guess is a choral resounding yes!
You can purchase these and many other old-world gifts at European Deli.
