Christmas Ornaments in Switzerland

And the  Christmas lights were switched on! Nowadays shops start selling Christmas ornaments in the middle of October. I don't like it very much as it puts people under pressure. I am not in hurry! I prefer enjoying autumn, its colours and its magic ambience.  Only at the end of November I begin to pay attention to the Christmas items. Therefore, I would like to present you some of my favourite Christmas adornments in Switzerland.

Inspired by the north Italian cities, Globus designed an elegant collection. Splendorous townhouses and palaces emanate noble charm. Red, gold and patina colours  revive the magnificence of great festivities.

Using wood elements, fake fur and alpine Italian style, Globus created ornaments which emit coziness and elegance. 

In my opinion Flamant is one of the most beautiful design shops in Zurich. I love its combinations of modern, classic and country chic design.  If you are fond of it too, pay a visit to the store in Seefeld. 

For chandeliers, gift boxes and fairy lights I recommend Interio. The arabic chandeliers create a mystic and warm ambience.  My children love Interio fairy lights. They are so playful!

For advent calendars, Depot has great ideas. My children are fascinated by those small bags full of surprises and lovely tiny presents.  

The most original presents you will find at Einzelstück. This is another shop with great design accessories and furniture. 

The show goes on. Decorate your home with love for your family and friends. If you have another ideas, please post it as a comment. 

Happy New Year! 2015 is the year of the sheep in the Chinese horoscope. The sheep is a lovely and gentle animal. Therefore I wish you a "kind" 2015 to you!

Merry Christmas!

Magnolia wishes you a great Christmas!

What To Do With Greeting Cards?

I have just seen a creative way of displaying Christmas cards: Arrange them  on a wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. It is gorgeous, isn't it?

Picture: Homelife

Mailänderli (Milano Biscuits)

Mailänderli, Mailänderli... As soon as December arrives, my children start to cry: Mom, we have to bake Mailänderlis! 

Firstly we bake for friends and family. Then for the children's teachers. And finally for us. 

Now you know why I didn't post anything last week. 

Why are they called Mailänderli? 

The name suggests that they are from Milan (Mailand in German) but they are actually a typical Swiss Christmas treat.  

There is indeed a similar biscuit in Milan, but it is not the Mailänderli recipe. Mailänderlis don't have any "Christmas" flavours in them - like cinnamon, allspice or candied fruits. They're buttery, crispy and have a delicious lemon flavour. A great alternative to shortbread: 

Ingredients: 

250 g Butter      

200 g Sugar     

2 Eggs 

1 Lemon, zested

A pinch Vanilla Sugar

500 g Flour

3 egg yolks 

Stir the butter in a bowl until it forms peaks. Add the sugar and beat until well incorporated. Add the eggs and the vanilla sugar and stir until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the lemon zest and flour to the dough mixture. Mix in until an even, smooth dough forms. Remove dough from bowl, wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least two hours . Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Cut dough in parts and roll out on a flat, with flour covered surface, approximately 5mm thick. Cut out biscuit shapes of your choice. Before baking, whisk the egg yolks and apply a light layer of it over each biscuit. Put them on a baking sheet covered with baking paper. Bake for about 10 minutes in the centre of the oven until lightly golden on the edged.

The Gingerbread House

I have been fascinated by the "witch's house" in Hansel and Gretel since I was a child. I remembered my mum telling me the story of that house made of chocolate and sweets and I wished I were a third  sibling, the one who would change the story. I don't remember how exactly I wanted to change the fairy tale but I am sure that it involved eating a lot of chocolate and running away before the witch’s arrival ;) 

Therefore gingerbread houses reminds me childhood and I have been researching their origins and how to build them. 

According to Wikipedia, Gingerbread was brought to Europe in 992 by an Armenian  monk who came to live in France. During the 13th century, it was brought to Sweden by German immigrants. It was the custom to bake white biscuits and paint them as window decorations. 

Gingerbread biscuits started to be traded during the 16th century, where they were sold in monasteries, pharmacies and town square farmers' markets. One hundred years later the town of Market Drayton in Shropvile, UK in became known for its gingerbread, as is proudly displayed on their town's welcome sign. 

Gingerbread became widely available in the 18th century. In Brazil it is called pão de mel (honey bread) and is a type of cake usually coated with chocolate. In Switzerland, the gingerbread has a marzipan filling and is known as "biber”(my children love it!).  It is very typical in St Gallen and Appenzell. The St Gallen biber is adorned with the St. Gallen cathedral while the Appenzell biber is engraved with the Appenzell bear. 

In Germany there are two forms of ginger bread: a soft cake called Lebkuchen and a harder form. This latter is the dough used to build gingerbread houses and they are really inspired in the witch’s house from the German fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Children and parents build them often in Christmas time. 

I know that nowadays you can buy gingerbread houses everywhere but I think the joy is really in the making it yourself. If you fancy it, have a look: in English or in German.

Pictures: Annabelle, Rebecca Hansen and Living at home.