...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Coffee with a kick

Today, I welcome you to a bit of Germany right here in our little piece of the world. A very, very long time ago, I traipsed back to Germany to visit my parents and we did a bit of sightseeing. Of course we had the big discussion as to where to go... I was wanting to go back to the Black Forest, my dad wanted to go on a trip along the Rhine. We did both. I am kinda stubborn like that.  

During one of our stops, we had a wonderful cup of coffee at a Café. A touch of brandy, some whipped cream, chocolate - oh and coffee! What's not to like???

The next Christmas, a set of 4 of these lovely cups and saucers arrived by mail:
In the box was the recipe! I was delighted. So we had to get all the stuff to make this delicacy. We loved it and still make it now on cool evenings before a fire. Of course we use decaf since we are partial to our sleep!

Rüdesheim on the Rhein; 1860; hometown of Asbach Uralt

Along the band are pictures of the town of Rüdesheim.


The saucer
I've always loved red transferware and this is no exception. 

Mom made a bunch of these lovely napkins . In Germany you can find napkin/handkerchief blanks and then there are many patterns for the crochet edging around them.

 The thread used is just a bit larger than some sewing thread.

If time were of no consequence, I would bake cookies and cakes. However, Pepperidge Farm's Chessmen stand in divinely!

A small coffee pot ( I think it's really a hot chocolate pot) made by Hutschenreuter called Windsor Rot (Red)  holds the coffee.

A Burgenland candlestick stands at the ready with a candle for when the sun goes down.

Chocolate curls in a Villeroy & Boch Burgenland small bowl.

The bucolic scenes in the bowls are absolutely enchanting.

Sugar cubes give me an excuse to use the sugar tongs that came with my silver, and they are essential to the making of this delicacy.

3 cubes in the bottom of a cup

If you use Dr. Oetker's Whip It, a cream stabilizer, the whipped cream maintains it's mountainous form.

I didn't find out until today that they actually have special long handled spoons for this coffee drink. I use an iced tea spoon! Works just fine.

Anything with fire has to be good!

A dark flavorful coffee is great in this recipe.

Chocolate shavings just make everything soooo much better, don't you think?

All sitting on a linen tablecloth made by my grandmother. So simple, so old, so many memories.

Now for the recipe - followed by a video


Rüdesheim Coffee:
Asbach Uralt
Whipped Cream
Sugar Cubes 
Sprinkles or chocolate shavings
Matches or lighter


Place three sugar cubes in the original Rüdesheim coffee cup, add 4 cl (1 or 1.25 oz)  of well- warmed Asbach Uralt and set alight with a long match, or watch the video below, pull out one sugar cube that has been immersed and light it and then set the spoon into the cup.

Stir using the long Rüdesheim coffee spoon to dissolve the sugar and allow to burn for about 1 minute. Fill the cup with hot coffee to about 2 cm  (3/4") below the rim.

Top with whipped cream sweetened with vanilla sugar and sprinkle with dark chocolate flakes.

Tip: heat the Asbach Uralt either in a container suitable for microwaving at 600W for one minute, or simply in a casserole.  

Drink responsibly!



Cast:
Silver tray - Estate Sale
Sugar, candle stick, small bowls and small serving platter - Villeroy & Boch Burgenland
Coffee pot - Hutschenreuter Windsor Rot
Coffee mugs - Heinrich, made in Germany for Asbach Uralt (some on ebay)
Sugar tongs - WMF
Napkin - Handmade by my mother
Rüdesheimer coffee cups - gift from  mom (can be found on ebay)
Cookies - Chessmen by Pepperidge Farm
Tablecloth - Antique from my grandmother, handmade


I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to drop in for some inspiring tables set just for you!   Also sharing with Designs by Gollum's Foodie Friday!  Thank you so much for dropping in and making my day! I cherish your visits and love to read your comments.


53 comments:

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Marlis! I am completely enthralled! I think I've shared with you that I have a German background, and I am so in love with those coffee cups I cannot stand it! I must have them. I've never seen them before. And I had to laugh when you said you are a bit stubborn -- what German isn't? I can say that as I'm stubborn, too. :) Can't wait to go home and get the makings for that coffee.

Tricia said...

Oh, my goodness, that wonderful coffee drink sounds amazing! And how lovely that you have the perfect set to serve it! I love the red transferware -- and those napkins are simply gorgeous!

Sydnee said...

Such beautiful coffee set....I love it...I want to come sometime and have coffee, dinner and use all of your tableware....Love it....

Mary said...

This looks heavenly & perfect for a winter evening in front of the fire! I'm happy to know about the cream stablizer, thank you. Your mother's napkins are lovely~ what a treasure!

xinex said...

I just got a comment from you, Marlis, and what a coincidence cause I was looking at your blog at the same time. I love your coffee mugs and they look fabulous with the whipped cream. What an unusual and unique shape! Love everything on the table including the cookies and the red transferware of course...Christine

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Oh My this looks SO Delicious! All of it NOT just the Yummy Coffee... I LOVE those cups and how wonderful they go with your red transferware... I "REALLY" LOVE the chocolate pot too! "Gorgeous"... and yours looks "BETTER than the video"!
Hugs to you,
Donna

Entertaining Women said...

Marvelous tablescape made even more special by the personal family memories and treasures. Stunning...beautiful! Of course, I totally love your grandmother's tablecloth...I'm drawn to those type of jewels...but the thing that has left me drooling is the set of your mama's hand worked napkins. Just exquisite. Thank you for a new idea...for me...and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

A Toile Tale said...

Oh,Marlis, I think I must visit you....for some of that coffee.....tonight!!!! In those cups!!!! Fabulous. Where do you get that cream stabilizer? I'd love to find it, since I have whipped the cream early and then found it deflated when I am ready to serve. I can't do it at the last minute as I'm afraid I might miss some of the critical conversation around the dinner table with guests! Bet they'd hang around for this coffee!
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Alycia Nichols said...

Unbelievable!!! I am not a chocolate lover (my only saving grace on the scales!) or a coffee drinker, but that sure did look good!!! I didn't see the lady set it on fire, though. I'm a pyromaniac...I like things to catch on fire or blow up! :-) Your set is beautiful and has a great bit of history attached...the perfect combination! And your Mom's sewing talent...just makes me wanna cry! The lace on those napkins is exquisite!!! Absolutely exquisite!!! So your table this week is a total history lesson with the serving set, your Grandmother's table linen, your Mom's napkins, and that old coffee recipe! I think you should teach that class at University! :-) It would be very popular!!!

Luncheons at the Junction said...

I was just thinking this past weekend how I wanted to add to my very small collection of pink transferware, and here is more inspiration! Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Would absolutely love a cup of coffee, right this minute. What a fabulous post, Marlis!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Yummy, delightful, and very,very beautiful! I am so enamored of your mother's napkins. Exquisite!

Kathleen said...

Wonderful, love the china, so pretty!
The napkins are fabulous! And I love Whip IT. Hard to find here. I usually have to order by the case on amazon.
Great post, Marlis!

Marigene said...

Beautiful china, love the shape of the cups. Your linens are exquisite.

Dianne said...

Marlis,

I see where you get your talent. Your Mother and Grandmother's linens are exquisite. Beautiful and inviting setting.

Dianne

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Hi Marlis,

I love all of your German transferware. I have a few German pieces in Rusticana and Burgenland.
Everything about this is absolutely perfect in my book. I'd love to come sit at this table with you and have a cup of that coffee. Those are the neatest cups!
The napkins are exquisite. I have been on a vintage linens kick lately and I would love to find napkins that beautiful. How much more special that your Mother made them.

This is so beautiful!

Nancy

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

p/s I love that you introduced your 'cast' at the end!

Diane said...

Wow...this is my kind of post! Chocolate, whipped cream, red transferware, vintage linens, and Germany...a few of my favorite things!

Thanks for visiting my new little blog and leaving such an encouraging comment about my first tablescape.

The Tablescaper said...

Marlis:

What a beautiful post. I love your collection and the memories behind them. Those cups are magnificent. I love the spirit behind all of it.

- The Tablescaper

Lizabeth said...

What a great collection! Having the memories to boot makes it really special! I sooo want to try that coffee drink! Yum! Your napkins and tablecloth are so special I'd almost be afraid to use them!

Mrs. Serendipity said...

Marlis! What a beautiful post and red and white table setting! I'm laughing quite a bit with this post because I am very familiar with Ashbach Uralt. I have been eating their delictable liquer filled chocolates for years!!! LOL!

Your mother's beautiful handiwork is exquisite - a true treasure. And of course nothing tastes better than kaffee mit a "small dollop" of schlag and schnaps! LOL

Thanks for sharing a wonderful travel memory and making me smile. Mrs. S

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Marlis,
you show so many nice things again. The Rüdesheiemr Kaffee is a nice idea and it fits perfect to your Burgenland transferware. I almost have forgotten that we loved to drink that often. Thank you for the reminder. It looks so delicious when you show the several steps of producing.
Those napkins are stunning, I would love to find such beautiful dainty napkins. They are so gorgeous made with the very fine crochet pattern and the embroidery. And as I see, this skills are since ages in your family, your grandmother tablecloth is as sweet. Lovely table, my friend, thank you for sharing it with us.
Greetings, Johanna

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

This is a completely charming table and a facinating coffee drink!
I am also partial to red transferware. Your German pieces are such treasures!!!! My favorites are the hot chocolate pot (gorgeous) and those fabulous coffee cups. I will be looking for those~ we LOVE coffee and this would be the most lovely way to serve it.
Your napkins are not only beautiful but hold such a special place at your table. Did you happen to pick up any of your Mom's talent for lace making? Oh these are priceless.
Thank you so much for sharng this extraordinary table!
xo Yvonne

Phyllis said...

What a yummy idea about serving this fantastic exotic coffee in front of a roaring fire on a cold evening! If only I had your cups to go along with the idea. Why did I not see these on our river cruise along the Rhine! You mother's napkins are a treasure and the delicate handwork is truly a work of art!!! Thank you for stopping by to visit and I so appreciate your generous comments!!

Atticmag said...

China and idea are so great Marlis. But our Mom's napkins are truly stunning. How wonderful to have them to show. Thanks so much for stopping by to see our crazy majolica. Jane

Debby S. said...

Thank you so much for sharing this post! I always get a treat for the eyes and I learn something when I stop by! The table is amazing! your handmade linens from your mother and grandmother are treasures. This tablescape is so wonderful that I will visit a few more times so I can take it all in!!!!!!!!

laxsupermom said...

Beautiful tablescape! I love the story behind it! I have a vintage linen tablecloth nearly identical to yours that came in the bottom drawer of the sideboard that we inherited from Hubby's Great Aunt. Thanks for sharing.

Decor To Adore said...

This was such an interesting post! It reminded me of the time I spent while living in Germany.

I hope you will come by and see the linky party I am hosting.

Slice of Pie said...

Chocolate pot? Coffee pot? Mix it all together and I'm happy! Thanks for sharing.

bj said...

Beautiful...everything!! I love every bit of your post and your dishes are just delightful. Stealing the show...your mom's beautiful napkins. *sigh

Peggy said...

That really brought back memories of our trip down the Rhine. Thanks for sharing!

Barbara said...

Marlis! This is just a wonderful post! I don't like coffee and this makes me think I need to rethink that. :) I love the combination. I may try this when "my girls" come over next. It looks so delicious! I have never heard of Dr.Oetker's Whip It so will look into that too. Your dishes are so special and wonderful! I bet your parents just love thinking of you fixing this beautiful setting and drink. I love all your treasures.

Komali Nunna said...

Beautiful china. It makes it more beautiful with family memories associated with it.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Marlis...those are the cutest cups I've ever seen! And boy did that coffee drink look wonderful! I wish your blog had taste-a-vision. If I lick the screen will that work? ;) Thanks for sharing this. I wonder if we have any restaurants here in ATL that serve that amazing drink.

Deb said...

I love all those dishes and have never seen a hot chocolate pot but now I want one. It's just beautiful. Thanks for the recipe. Lovely blog and great photos. Deb=^..^=x5 Ottawa, Canada (new follower)

Sweetladyelaine said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your coffee set is beautiful. I love the shpe of the mugs. I am sure you are treasuring your memories. Thank you for sharing.

we three dogs and me said...

What lovely dishes you are a lucky gal. The napkins your mother made are beautiful and dainty. Thanks for the receipe.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marlis! I didn't know you had a German background! We've been to Germany a couple of times and just loved it! We bought a wonderful Cuckoo clock in the Black Forrest! How beautiful Germany is and what a most wonderful post! Your transferware is so pretty. I love the cups and all of your ofhter pieces! I enjoyed my stay very much.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Scribbler said...

This looks soooooo gooooood! I am saving it!

Thanks for your kind comment today -- I really appreciate it.

Susan McClaskey said...

Your coffee drink sounds amazing! I wish I were sipping on a cup right now! The transferware cups are beauties. Thanks for visiting Buttermilk Cottage and please come again!
Best,
Susan

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Marlis, what a delightful post. I LUV those cups and saucers, and all of your other transferware looks so pretty with it. The napkins your mother made are gorgeous, and the tablecloth your grandmother made is just so sweet. Beautiful table and beautiful coffee drink. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Now, I just have to get hold of some of those cups and scaucers! laurie

Meredith said...

Beautiful! I love red transferware too. and those napkins! they are stunning! Your mother is talented too!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh Marlis dear...how gorgeous and so much memories for you of your family over seas, I love family things, they're the most treasured things for a woman to have and to remember. The cups and saucers are terrific, I totally love them! Your mother's napkins are gorgeous and your grandma's tablecloth is a jewel. I love, love red transferware. Thank you for all the sharings.
Tomorrow is our 36th. Anniversary and my husband just surprised me with a set of Czeck THUN blue onion pattern china for 8, because he thought it'll match my Maissen 2 tier compote, or fruit stand...that he gave me years ago as well. I'm crazy about my new gift, I just did a tablescape, it'll be late. Oh well.
XOXO
FABBY

Carolyn said...

Beautiful post! i love the transferware,the napkins and the coffee looks delicious too.

Carolyn

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Oh my goodness, what a fabulous post! I had not heard of this type of coffee drink before and now I am fascinated by it. Your red transferware is lovely.

I also love, love, love the napkins and tablecloth. What beautiful needlework your mother and grandmother have done.

Tammy

Maria said...

What a fabulous post! What a wonderful tradition! It's so nice that you were able to capture it on video. I especially like your linens. This entire post is a visual treat! Thank you, thank you for sharing this!

Savannah Granny said...

Marlis, This is such a beautiful post. I love the pieces and the history. The napkins are awesome as is the cloth your grandmother made.
Right now I am dying to make this. I am bookmarking this, If I don't I lose them. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs, Ginge

Donna said...

I love this. Your blog makes me slow down and enjoy beauty. Thanks for all the documentation and beautiful bictures.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Wonderful! That little coffee/chocolate pot is so pretty!

Jane said...

I an truly intrigued by this recipe...and those cups are gorgeous!!! Thank you for sharing.
Jane (artfully graced)

Anonymous said...

Marlis, I take it that the cups were a gift from your parents, and the fact you have so many lovely things to go with them is something! I'm thinking the coffee would taste very good right about now. Do you have an extra serving?

Miss Char said...

Marlis, your table setting is beautiful and that coffee!!!!! I think I might be able to take up coffee drinking with a recipe like that.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

That photo of the coffee with all the cream and chocolate on top deserves to be in a recipe book. It looks HEAVENLY! Yum!!

Sarahx

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