Ann Marie

Ann Marie Ackermann is a former American lawyer, now living in Germany. Her book, Death of an Assassin, the true story of a 19th century German murderer who died defending Robert E. Lee in battle, will be published by Kent State University Press in 2017.

Teidefink auf Teneriffa

Teidefink: Darwins verpasste Chance

Beobachtung der endemischen Lebewesen der Kanarischen Inseln This is the German version of a Substack post, Blue Chaffinch: Darwin’s Missed Chance, that will appear tomorrow. I will update this post and provide a link once that post appears...

Sycamore-Gap-Baum in Northumbria, England.

Ode an den Sycamore-Gap-Baum

Breaking News! My friend Marie Powell and I are launching a new travel and culture blog on Substack. You can sign up for it here. On this site, I’ll be publishing the German versions of our posts Here is a link to the English version of this...

Twelfth Night Cake

The Bean King Twelfth night cake wasn’t officially part of my online medieval Christmas cooking class at eatmedieval. But it was, indirectly. When Giles Gasper, the history professor who contributed some online lectures mentioned a 14th-century...

When Germans Try English Blood Pudding

My English bread and blood pudding. Blood Pudding I’ve never had English blood pudding before. I’d heard of it, of course, but have never had the opportunity. It’s not that I’d be adverse to the blood. With a German father and Czech mother, I grew...

Moldenke Castle as a Chastelet

I realize the tower looks like it suffered from artillery damage, but this is my pastry replica of the family castle. A Pastry Castle Family history married medieval cuisine when I baked a Christmas chastelet as the Moldenke castle. The idea came...

Crème Bastard, a Medieval Drink

My dairy-free crème bastard. Crème Bastard “Crème Bastard” has been christened as a Game of Thrones recipe, all because of a passage in George R.R. Martin’s book. He describes the menu at the Lord Commander’s table at the Wall. Dessert consisted of...

The Great Medieval Gingerbread Mystery

My medieval gingerbread. The orange color comes from sandalwood, which also lent a delicate flavor. The Case of the Missing Ginger There’s a recipe for Gyngerbrede in a 15th-century collection in the British Library (Harley MS 279). Like any baker...

Duck with Sawse Madame

My duck with sawse madame, stuffed with quince and pears and decorated with oranges, fresh grapes, and chervil from my garden. Sawse Madame Galangal and poudre douce…. On the fourth day of Chrismas, in my attempt to create a memorable...

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