Other basic foods, such as bread and milk products, are equally varied; Cheeses are eaten in large quantities and the breads come in different forms with varying degrees of darkness, whole wheat, rye, etc. flavoured with linseed, sesame, or cumin (knackebrot, pumpernickel). Meat platters are encountered everywhere, served with horseradish and onion. Stews and ragouts are generally well spiced and sometimes cooked with sour cream. The pastries are very popular with the Germans, who eat them all hours of the day. There is a vast range of tarts, biscuits, cakes and cookies such as gingerbread and marzipan.
Because of the northern latitude of Germany vineyards vintages vary a great deal, but in spite of the cold, modern technology makes it possible to produce some nice wines in most years and some remarkable ones every two or three years.
