Anja’s previous book (Strudel, Noodles & Dumplings) is without doubt our most used recipe book. The pages often stuck together or stained by ingredients over zealously splashed around by children involved in cooking (and over joyous adults too). The recipes are simple and scrummy and so we knew that we’d have to have Advent on our kitchen shelf too. It is beautiful and I know that soon enough its pages will also tell the tales of use and love. If it survives long enough it will surely be passed on as a moving gift when our children one day fly the nest, because it is a gift. Anja writes in a warm way that speaks in the manner of a friend with a coffee next to the oven patiently observing and giving instructions. Tradition and stories are passed on through both the recipes and their accompanying images and words - Anja’s writing has encouraged us to start our own family recipe book of tweaked, loved and made up recipes because it is an inspiration in storytelling and documenting the experience of experimenting and cooking as much as the creation of a finished dish or bake. The illustrations, photography and type come together beautifully in a way that is both heritage and modern all at once. The linocuts are a treasure and I’m tempted to get a book stand purely to display this as an advent calendar (when it isn’t being baked from). The whole thing feels like Christmas in your hands and I’m already looking forward to dark evenings with the glow of candles and scent of spices filling the kitchen. Couldn’t recommend Advent more highly and have already bought a gift copy for a friend who loves Christmas.
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Such a beautiful book - to look at, to read through and digest, to get lost in and to dream with. The writers memories shared are lovely and add to the overall feel and experience, just exactly what I want in a Christmas book. One that has meaning and memory and connection. Not just what sits on the mainstream shelf to cook. I know when I pull this out for Christmas 2025 it’s going to make me squeal inside 🤗
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I don’t write reviews very often, but with this book I felt compelled to share how wonderful it is. From start to finish, Anja’s book is magical, summoning all the festive feelings - sights, smells, tastes, memories - that make Christmas so special. The book is illustrated beautifully with photos and linocut illustrations. The photos are mouthwatering. I also particularly loved the interesting introductions to each recipe. I don’t think I’ve ever read a cooking book from cover to cover until I brought this book. One of the very best books I’ve ever brought. I’d give it six stars if I could.
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Wow this book is totally stunning and like others have said reminds me of Christmas as a child , and happy simple times. The vibrant photography and delicate emotive linocuts are sublime and timeless. This is an absolute classic book- beautifully crafted and executed and I’ll be buying copies for lucky friends and family. There are so many recipes (24 chapters of Christmas recipes full to the brim with joy ) and I’m already looking forward to making spiced biscuits and edible tree decorations for the children. There is something for everyone in this book and I have enjoyed curling up with it and planning some new festive traditions to enjoy with my family.
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First of all, this book is beautifully laid out. From the tactile cover to the beautiful photography and well written recipes. I cannot wait to get into the kitchen and fill my home with the delicious smells of Christmas. Most of these recipes are child friendly and will easily be made with small children. I've never bought a recipe book and wanted to make every recipe in it before but I certainly do with this book. I know this is a book that I will go back to year after year and that my children will look forward to me getting out so they can request their favourites from it. It sings to me of a warm cosy home brimming with winter cheer and Christmas anticipation. It's a must have Christmas recipe book.
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A wonderful book. Have tried numerous recipes, all worked brilliantly. A very well laid out book, with the baking in sections, lovely photos.
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This is a beautiful and thoughtful book - a lovely thing in itself with its illustrations, binding and cover. But within are wonderful recipes which look very enticing to make and I will be doing so next year during and before Advent to give to people and to share. I know they will be delicious because my very good friends have made and sent me these in a beautiful box for many years and I have always found it to be a very special and magical part of Advent. I am delighted to have found this special book.
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If you want festive German recipes/bakes, look no further. This is a beautifully presented hardback book that is packed full of delicious recipes, all written in a clear, methodical style, alongside some lovely linocut prints and photographs that could make you feel like it's Christmas in July. Great if you are a fan of German life, or just like tasty Christmas food. Highly recommended, 10/10.
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So now I bought the colorful paper plates to heap with cookies for family and friends at Christmas time. The author talks about Christmas baking traditions of all kinds. Photographs are plentiful and beautiful. As a bonus, she illuminates each chapter with a hand carved print of her own designs. This is a beautiful book.
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Im so glad i got this book. I wanted to make Lebkuchen cookies. The recipe in this book alone is worth "the cost of admission". Everything ive made in here has been great. Usually my cookbooks just sit on a shelf. This one is in constant use.
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For anyone who enjoys Christmas baking and German cake
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Buenas recetas. Buena fotografía. Ganas de prepararlo TODO esta navidad!!!
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Magnifique livre et magnifiques recettes de gâteaux de Noël ( teste cette année)! A avoir !
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