The Joy of German Cookies, Volume 2: Drop, Bar & Refrigerator Cookie Favorites, is a collection of over 120 recipes. Food and culinary historian Rose Marie H. Gueldner presents recipes spanning German-speaking groups in the Old World to groups that migrated to faraway places — east to Russia and west to North America — more than 20 Germanic groups who view themselves as distinct because of their homelands, food culture and historic events.
This book begins with a brief introduction to these groups, then covers the role of cookies in German history and the evolution of cookie baking as improvements were made in socio-economic conditions, ingredients, and baking ovens.
Bakers of German ancestry will be delighted with this unique book. Bakers of non-German ancestry will be surprised at the number of cookies they know by having enjoyed them or being familiar with the name: Many German cookie recipes entered America's culinary mainstream some time ago and are favorites regardless of ethnicity.
Testimonials
“Rose Marie Gueldner, a longtime colleague, has authored an impressive new book series, The Joy of German Cookies. Rose Marie also authored the popular book, German Food & Folkways: Heirloom Memories from Europe, South Russia & the Great Plains, published by the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, NDSU Libraries, Fargo. Gueldner has worked as an educator, professional cook, journalist, and businesswoman. Her years of foodways research present an encyclopedia of cookie recipes made by home bakers in a variety of German groups. She reminds us that food is history - family history and group history – and that the scents and delights of cookies evoke special memories for all ages. Rose Marie blends her wonderful tastes of baking German cookies with a comprehensive collection of recipes, written clearly for the first-time cookie baker as well as the experienced baker. The Joy of German Cookies is not only a reliable collection of tested recipes for the baker, but also attractive to give as a special gift.”
— Michael M. Miller, Emeritus Director
Germans from Russia Heritage Collection,
North Dakota State University Libraries, Fargo, ND
“The Joy of German Cookies series of cookbooks are fabulous! Far more than a collection of recipes, each volume acquaints you with your culture and heritage. You may not know your ancestors by name, but you will recognize your heritage in the cookies they baked! These books are a priceless treasure that you’ll want to share with family and friends and pass on to future generations. Feed your heart and your soul and learn about your unique heritage in this marvelous publication!”
— Bonnie Everhart, Hickory, NC
Book Review Editor, Palatines To America:
German Genealogical Society, Indianapolis, IN
The Author
Rose Marie H. Gueldner, a descendant of Germans from Russia pioneers, has worked as an educator, professional cook, writer, journalist, and businesswoman. She spent years researching history, traveling to ethnic communities, visiting cooks, and gathering data for this book. Using her background in food science, history, and folklore, Gueldner helps the reader understand the ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘when’ of food and recipes. Importantly for a cookbook, she uses her skills as an educator, journalist, and accomplished home baker to present recipes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Gueldner also writes on food traditions for German heritage newsletters. She is the author of the best-selling historical cookbook, German Food & Folkways, and several volumes of The Joy of German Cookies in her German in the Kitchen series.
