After the Family Trip - Day 18 + 19 - Singen

Friday July 12

These days are really easy for James and me. We are just floating along. Corry keeps saying not to worry. Today is Melanie's birthday and Corry always brings a certain cake. Here she is preparing it. The cake for the roll is baked and cooling.

While the cake is cooling we can play cards. 

The filling. Whipped cream with a package of stiffener, which Germans obviously use. I brought some home with me. Got to try it.

Raspberries!

All rolled up and ready to be put onto just the right plate!

3 pm. The birthday celebration starts.

Another (yearly) guest always has to bring this cake. I also need this recipe!

Melanie and Sebastian have 3 children and two more and a good number of adults made for a lively afternoon. Don't know why I don't have any photos. We had a nice time.

Later at home Corry found this picture postcard. I had been looking for some but it seems people don't write them any longer hence they are not offered for sale. I love this one. the Hohentwiel is such a big part of James' and my history.

Saturday July 13

Werner and James worked for the same company. Alusingen. James for 7 years until he was sent to the USA (for 18 month, ha-ha). Technically James worked for the same company all his professional life just in different parts of the world. The company had invited to an imployees and retirees fest, so the 4 of us went. It was self-serve but everything for free.

It seems that a weckle is the bun. It's a regional word which I didn't know.

There is the roast in the weckle.

But a real German thing (fast food) is a Currywurst (Bratwurst in curry sauce).

This sign was near where we had parked.

In the evening we were invited to Rita, a friend of Corry's. I had met her at the birthday party the day before and she wanted us to come for a "sundowner". She lives in an apartment and this is her view from her balcony. 

 

The "sundowner" was an Aperol Spritz, which right now seems to be the most popular aperitif cocktail in Germany. 

Rita had prepared some appetizers and we played a (our) card game. Corry had asked for me to bring one from home because Rita likes it too. 

But we could not go home without having had dessert. Oh my! Delicious ice cream with rumtopf over it. 

Rumtopf is a delicious, boozy German fruit compote usually enjoyed during the end-of-the-year holidays as a topping for puddings or other desserts. I like to use the liquid to make a hot drink like "grog" when it is really cold outside.

Rumtopf is started when the first fruit of the year has ripened. The fruit is prepped (bite size, pitted etc), sugar added and a strong rum. Other fruits are added when available during summer and early fall. Of course these were the good-ol'-days when people still had their own gardens.

And yes, I have a little bit started in my fridge. I like best pitting sherries, adding sugar and brandy.

The evening at Rita's was fun. 

PS: You know I like when you leave a comment. If you do anonymously please don't forget to sign it. It's more fun if I know who did it.