European Foodie and Travel Blog© • Culinary, Culture and Art

Weihnachtsgans, Baked Goose, Christmas goose

A juicy, crispy goose as I had growing up in Germany – who can resist that? Here is a wonderful recipe with a classic fruity-spicy filling. The following recipe has been proven, and thus you can prepare it as a feast for your loved ones Goose has a reputation for being too fatty for some, […]

dip

Germany

Recipes

Spreads

Obatzda, a Bavarian Brie Spread

“Obatzda”, also called “Angemachter Camembert” in my Franconian circles, is a typical Bavarian spread made from Brie. It is served with a fresh Pretzel or Bauernbrot The difference between Brie and Camembert: Brie has 60% of milk fat, Camembert only 45%. Either can be used. This spread includes Beer and Caraway seeds which is added […]

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Nürnberg has a new Christkind

The Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world – with a “real” Christkind, the original Gingerbread and the Christkindlesglühwein. The new Christkind Benigna has opened the Weihnachtsmarket on Friday (29.11.19) with the traditional prologue In the 2019 opening of the Nürnberg of the Christkindlmarket, the new Christkind Benigna Munsi […]

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

“Weihnachten” from my Childhood

The Advent in Germany is the most magical and festive time. I remember the romantic historical Christkindlmarkets, the garland, lights and glittering Christmas trees, the Glühwein and Lebkuchen that makes a dreary season heart light up. As children we decorated a wreath with four candles, called “Adventskranz,” and lit a new candle every Sunday. Afterward we would walk down the street and view the decorated homes with wreaths, yards and trees with strings of lights, and pyramids with candles in the windows.

Passau boat ride, Schifffahrt Stephansdom, Cathedral, Passau

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Passau, the city where three Rivers meet

After settling in at my Airbnb in Passau, a city in Lower Bavaria, I took a walk at the beautiful waterfront promenade. There were colorful flowers and buildings as I strolled along. I noticed the architecture of Passau’s old city buildings, and as I was reading later, there is a reason why it has an Italian flair. After the catastrophic city fire of 1662, the Italian influence can be seen everywhere….

Greek

Italy

Recipes

Southern Europe

Spain

Spreads

Aioli, a Mediterranean dip

Last time I was at the Freiburg Münsterplatz I visited their large International Market and had fried Calamaris with Aioli sauce. That was the first time I tasted this sauce, and I have been bragging about it ever since. This spread or dip is used with the cuisines in Spain, the Balearic Islands, Murcia and eastern Andalusia, Valencia and Catalonia. Also in France (Provence) and Italy, Sicily and Liguria and Calabria.

Cake and Torte

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Rum or Eggnog Liquor Cake will lighten up any gathering

Many people already know about Eierlikörkuchen from a German grandma – who, of course, has made the world’s best. Same recipe can be used as Rumkuchen (Rum cake). Incidentally, those cakes are often made with an oil and butter mixture. This creates a very special moisture. In the classic version, it is baked in a […]

Desserts

Drinks, mixed

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Eierpunsch or Eggnog Liquor Punsch

Made with Eggnog Liquor and White Wine. It is something you would not expect to taste this good. It can easily become your favorite drink at the Christmas Market. Eggnog Liquor (by Evan Williams) or the more expensive Verpoorten should be available in the US at least 6 weeks before Christmas at the Liquor store. […]

Mittenwald, Karwendel Mountains, Bavaria

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Mittenwald in the Karwendel mountains

When driving south from Landshut, I tried to avoid the Autobahn. After a couple of hours through South Bavaria, I arrived in Mittenwald. A lovely Bavarian town known for their Facade paintings on homes, and the Karwendel mountain peaks as a backdrop. South of where the Isar rises, Bavaria meets Tyrol. Thus, Mittenwald became a trade […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Landshut, a Bavarian Jewel just north of Munich

Landshut is the capital of Lower Bavaria. This considerable small town of about 70,000 inhabitants was a pleasant surprise when visiting friends recently. Just 20 minutes north of the Munich Airport, Landshut is one of the richest industrialized towns in Bavaria with a striving economy. After a three-day stay Passau, I was driving for about […]

Austria

Germany

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

A visit to the “Bergdoktor” in Ellmau

On my drive to Mittenwald I planned a stop at the town of “Going at the Wilden Kaiser” in Austria. Wilder Kaiser is the name of the mountain. Here, and in Ellmau was my all time favorite show “Der Bergdoktor” or Mountain Doctor filmed. If you ever seen the show or movie, you will recognize […]

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Healthy retreats in Germany

When I was staying in Passau recently, I didn’t know what to do on a rainy and cool day, so I decided to take a 45 minute drive to the Bad Füssing Kur town, which means a place to cure an illness. Some towns have Thermal Bath houses or Thermal Spas Open-air, natural thermal springs […]

Germany

Recipes

Southern Europe

Zürich Geschnetzeltes, a classic Swiss Veal Dish

This tender Veal dish in a creamy Mushroom sauce is a classic meal I ate while visiting my friend in Zürich. If veal is not available, you could use beef or pork instead. I had to re-create this dish at home I prepared this dish in the Instant pot. See recipe description. Served with my […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

A temple near Regensburg that’s covered with precious marble inside and out

On a sunny day, while staying in Regensburg, I took an excursion to the Walhalla memorial which is a couple minute drive north-east. The classicist building with its surrounding landscape is dominating on a mountain overlooking the Danube With this structure in the form of a temple and surrounded by columns, it’s of the most […]

Leberkaese, Fleischkäse, German meat loaf

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Leberkäse, a German street food

I grew up on Leberkäse and I could eat it as breakfast. I also call it German Meatloaf, but the name is a misnomer, it does not contain cheese, mainly pork. Therefore some people call it Fleischkäse. You can buy these sandwiches at most Butcher shops as a snack. It is generally cut very thick. […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Cologne Cathedral- Germany’s most exciting Church

If you would take the train to Cologne, you practically step out of the Central station and see this immense historic Cathedral or Dom looming in front of you. This time we met up with daughter and family, who vacationed a couple days in Amsterdam, a three hour train ride away. To pick them up, […]

Sankt Bartholomae island, St. Bartholomä , Bavaria, Koenigssee

Germany

Travel Destinations

Crystal clear lakes awaits you near Berchtesgaden

Königssee in Southern Bavaria in the Berchtesgadener Land, this lake has crystal-clear water and spectacular views to the mountains. A must see and should be on your bucket list A couple years back we drove through the Berchtesgadener Land, and before we arrived at the Königsee, we saw a “Zimmer frei” sign of an open […]

Germany

Travel Destinations

Burg Eltz, the oldest castle with a unique architecture

Located between Koblenz and Trier, the Eltz castle is surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach River, a tributary on the north side of the Moselle. I have been there several times with family and friends In 1157, the name Eltz was mentioned for the first time. In a gifted deed to Emperor Friedrich the […]

Main Course

Recipes

German Wurstsalat

Many Germans grow up with this Wurstsalat recipe. In my area (Franconia), we make it with Mayonnaise and call it Fleischsalat. I tried this dish first when I visited Stuttgart (Schwabenland). It became my favorite Abendbrot or evening supper. Taste great with my Bauernbrot or a crusty Baguette

Germany

Travel Destinations

A Mosel cruise to Cochem

It was late August 2018 when we were staying at the Rhein. We started out early to drive to Koblenz and parked at the Görreplatz Parking garage, from where we walked down do the KD cruise dock landing. Unfortunately our Rhein day cruise, that was supposed to leave at 9 am to 8 pm, was […]

German meat patties, Fleischkräpfle , Frikadellen, Buletten

Germany

Main Course

Frikadelle or German Meat Patties

My mothers recipe. There are different variation, but one thing she used nutmeg and lemon juice, zest. In Bavaria it’s called Fleischpflanzerl, in Franconia Fleischkuechle, Fleischkraepfle or Frikadelle, and in the North Buletten or Bratklops. Frikadelle or German Meat Patties Print Rate this recipe 1 2 3 4 5 1 ratings Angie with AngiesWeb […]

Austria

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Three days in Salzburg, Austria

On the way to Austria, we made a stop in the Salzburger Land (Salzburg area). It was late in the afternoon when we drove into the town of Grödig, only 6 km from Salzburg. We knocked on the door of this darling bed and breakfast “Landhaus Bachmann”. A friendly lady, which happened to be the […]

Cake and Torte

Desserts

Germany

Recipes

Käsesahne Torte, or Cream Cake

One of my favorite Cakes or Tortes when sitting at a street cafe in Germany. It’s a little challenging for a beginner, but it’s worthwhile and tastes great! Best to start planning and preparing the cake 2 to 3 days before. The Cake bottom needs to be baked the day ahead and Cream topping should rest in the refrigerator approximately 12 hours to get firm

Allgemein

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Travel Destinations

German Bakeries and their Secret

I became a hobby baker when there were no bakeries with fresh breads available; basically out of necessity. So every time I am in Germany, I do my bakery run in the morning, since there are at least two of them in walking distance. I noticed a distinct difference between bakeries, so I did some reading. […]

Austria

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Soups

Vegetarian

Creamy Garlic-Leek Soup

Yesterday I was craving some comfort food. Plus I had a sick person in the house, so I thought about this soup I ate in Austria. We were in the Wachau, at the Danube, and stopped at a Restaurant for lunch. We had a large breakfast at our B&B, and I just wanted something small. […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Würzburg, where I grew up

Every now and then we visit my hometown Würzburg. We rent a little vacation home, only 10 km down the river in Veitshöchheim, the town where I spent my childhood. In the Morning, after my Brötchen run and having breakfast, we walk down to the dock at the Main River and take the next tour […]

Austria

Germany

Travel Destinations

The Krampus Folklore

The Krampus is an Alpine custom, a frightening figure of the Advent (beginning of December). While accompanying Saint Nicholas, Nicholas presents good children, and the naughty ones are punished by Krampus, the evil counterpart. By the middle of the twentieth century, this aspect of Krampus was much more accentuated as a scared-faced, black-faced freak who […]

Potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, Latkes

Appetizer

Austria

Germany

Main Course

Recipes

Side dish

Potato Pancakes or Kartoffelpuffer

This is a quick lunch, dinner or just an appetizer. Eaten with apple sauce, sour cream or anything you desire.

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Homemade Candied Cashews

Whenever I have a large quantity of cashews, I’m making these scrumptious candied cashews. These are my favorite nuts, they won’t last long. Cashews are on the softer side, and won’t break your teeth. Some recipes ask for water, instead of butter. I prefer this version. Homemade Candied Cashews Print Rate this recipe 1 2 […]

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Crispy German Spice Cookies. The Spekulatius

Spekulatius are crispy, spiced cookies that most people probably know because of their beautiful shape. The typical German spice cookies are made with cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, that also gives the cookie not only taste but also a wonderfully dark brown color. The relief shape can be easily obtained by wooden models, or silicon baking […]

Gluehwein, Glühwein (hot mulled Red Wine)

Austria

Drinks, mixed

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Glühwein (hot mulled Red Wine)

Standing around the table at a German Christmas Market talking and laughing with friends drinking hot Gluehwein. That’s how I remember. Taste great with my Spekulatius cookies Easy Glühwein Recipe here Missing the German Christmas Markets. You can get into the mood drinking Glühwein next to a German Christmas Pyramide. Order below:

Allgemein

Germany

Travel Destinations

Historic Timbered Style Homes

My Grandparents half-timbered home (Fachwerk) in Dettelbach was built in 1560. They discovered it by chance when renovating it. Of course it has plumbing and electric for decades, it’s just the ceilings are really low and walls are crooked. The town has strict architectural guidelines. I was intrigued by Fachwerk growing up, and always wondered […]

Appetizer

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Spreads

Kochkäse or Bier Cheese

This is a cheese that can be used as a Party Dip or a Spread. There are different variations. My favorite is Bier Cheese with brie. You can add a half of bier if you like to make it thinner for dipping pretzels. Always remember, the mixture gets thicker when cooled.

Watercolor coffee mugs by GermaniaDesign.com

Allgemein

Germany

My Art

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

My Watercolor art on coffee mugs

I’ve been painting Bavarian/Franconian castles, landscapes and architecture and have added my art to the mugs in a sublimation process. The mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. My Watercolor mugs are my final Sale. They will be no re-order. I ship at least two mugs, mix or match for $18 plus $10 shipping I take […]

German Bauernbrot or whole wheat crusty bread

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Recipes

Mein Bauernbrot (No knead German Crusty Bread)

I became a bread baking enthusiast after watching a NY Times video of Sullivan Bakery in New York. It started as “It’s so easy, a four year old can do it”. I had to try, and I am hooked ever since.
Read More

Germany

Main Course

Recipes

Schäufele on the Menu

Schäufele (Schaufele translates to small shovel) is a traditional dish that is mainly served in the my hometown Würzburg and the Franconia region of Germany. Every year, at my class reunion, I treat myself to this meal when meeting at a restaurant with my former class mates. When finished cooking, it resembles something between grilled […]

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Germany Cost of Living

This information was compiled by Americans (German/Americans) who currently live in Germany, or go back and forth. Exchange rates make a difference, at that time January 2018 it was 1 Euro ~ $1.18. Update: At this time it’s even better, Dec. 2019, 1 Euro ~ $1.11 Per Facebook group ” Americans living in/considering moving to […]

Zwetschgenmännchen, making dolls out of plums

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

"Zwetschgemännle" made out of dried Prunes

For decades the “Zwetschgenmännle” which are popular figures from dried Prunes, can be found at the colorful world of the Christkindlesmarkt. There are over 350 different figures – from “Nackerte” (Naked) to “Schlotfeger” (Chimney sweeper) to Lovers. The repertoire ranges. There are hundreds of Gnomes and bass Violin players, Guitarists and Pianists, Cooks and Waiters, Mushroom pickers, Pastors, and even Devils etc.

Allgemein

Main Course

Recipes

Spatchcock a Turkey?

How to make the juiciest Turkey with the crispiest skin, and will also cook in a fraction of time. There is an easy technique. You can just cut out the backbone by spatchcocking your bird, also called “butterflied turkey” If your turkey is natural and has not been brined or pre–seasoned, you could brine […]