University of Michigan International Center

Written by ICSC member Divyani Paul: Ph.D. candidate, Dept. of Biological Chemistry India is home to 1.3 billion people speaking 780 different languages with various religious beliefs. It’s rich history dates back to 2500-1500 BC and in due course of time civilizations have engendered an extraordinary blend of stories and events which are celebrated as festivals in India even up to this day. (image: Rath Yatra Celebrations) The beginning of the Hindu new year is celebrated by Makar Sankranti at the beginning of spring by praying to God for a forthcoming bountiful harvest. Similarly, the Sikhs celebrate Lohri and Baishakhi in Northern India and Pongal in southern India thank nature for generous harvest. People draw floral patterns in the house and make sweets as well as light a bonfire to celebrate these festivals. (image: Diety of Beautiful Goddess Durga) As we move further into spring, the festival of color-Holi is celebrated widely across the country and in recent times it has gained...

Christstollen is a very popular sweet in Germany during the Holiday season. It is a type of sweet bread with lots of dried fruits and spices that pairs perfectly with a glass of mulled (spiced) wine, cider or tea! Below you can find an authentic German recipe for Christstollen. Some of the ingredients might be a little hard to find but if you put in the extra effort, you will be rewarded with a delicious German Christmas bread! Recipe for German Christstollen: 200 g raisins 75 ml milk 500 g flour 14 g dry yeast 150 g sugar 175 g soft butter 125 g quark (low fat soft cheese, can be found at Trader Joes or Whole Foods) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg ½ tsp salt ½ tsp each of cardamom, cinnamon and gloves 100 g candied orange peel 100 g candied lemon peel 200 g ground almonds To make the yeasted dough, heat up the milk first. Mix flour with yeast and 1 tsp of sugar, then add the warm milk. Use a fork to mix all the ingredients together and let the dough sit...