Vacation month September
From A like Almabtrieb to Z like Zilli - Traditional highlights in September
I can hardly wait for it. Only a few more days, and I will see my dear Zilli again when she returns from her summer retreat. It's been 2 years since I was present at her birth, and I immediately fell in love with her. Standing on her own right away, curious, and indescribably sweet. Whenever possible, I would visit her, and she would just grow bigger and bigger. She has grown up truly magnificently. We have never been separated as long as we have now, since Zilli was on the Hochleger in the summer.
In the spring, all cows are brought to the alpine pastures. This a tradition here in the Zillertal. The animals spend the warm months in the lush meadows and feed on the best grasses. That's why their milk is so delicious. If you have ever tried Zillertal mountain cheese at breakfast in Gartenhotel Crystal, it could be that the milk processed for it came from my Zilli. And to be honest, I bet you can taste it!
Cattle drive in the Zillertal
At the end of September, the cows return. Since we are all excited that the animals are once again back in the valley and healthy after a beautiful mountain summer, the traditional cattle drive is a proper festival. On September 22, I will be waiting for Zilli in the village square in Fügen. She will be magnificently adorned with flowers and wreaths. She will certainly be the most beautiful one of all!
Of course, there are other cattle drives such ones on September 15 in Fügen and in Uderns, one on September 29 in Stumm, and one on October 6 in Hart. Unfortunately I can't go to these. It is harvest time, and there is simply too much to do…
Fruit harvest in the Crystal garden
Elderberries, plums, apples, pears – we have been harvesting for days. The job description of a garden fairy is clearly defined: inspection and tasting. The latter makes me especially happy. The entire Crystal garden is full of ripe fruits. There is more to do than just harvest though. The storage room must also be filled so that you can have the full taste of summer even in winter. Whether jam or puree - Mina uses only the best fruits. She always says you can taste the difference. You definitely can, especially with the plum dumplings.
Mina's home recipe: plum dumplings
Our guests always say that Mina's plum dumplings remind them of their own childhood. It's no wonder, because she prepares her dumplings according to an old home recipe. This sweet temptation does indeed have a considerable addictive potential. Fluffy on the outside, deliciously fruity on the inside. This is certainly something to swoon over.
Whether sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar or with stewed elderberries, vanilla sauce, or plain – Mina's plum dumplings are simply a dream. I could eat this heavenly treat all day long! Thank goodness you can freeze them, because even 30 dumplings a day can cause weight problems for a garden fairy...
Now I must quickly return to harvesting. Inspection and tasting!
Fruity greetings from your garden fairy at the Crystal.
