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

Sandkuchen, as the name says, is a dry version compared to the American pound cake. It’s made with lots of butter and eggs, although the butter can be replaced with oil to make it moist. Another recipe you might like is my French lemon cake (Cake au Citron) The most popular Gugelhupf form can be […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

A German town built on a "Crater"

A couple years ago we did a four day trip down the Romantic Road and stopped in Nördlingen. It is one of the most attractive towns in the central part of the Romantic Road. It has been found that there was a meteorite impact 15 million years ago which formed a crater
The town of Nördlingen is the largest town in the Swabian district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria.

Appetizer

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Recipes

Puff Pastry twists with Walnut paste

Surprisingly tasty I find these Puff Pastry twists, or as I call them, Nutty Sticks. They are originally filled with a a Hazelnut paste, but Walnuts will do. You can use a Sugar glaze or not, it’s a personal preference Scroll to bottom for Schinken (Prosciutto) twists with Parmesan cheese Below is a short video […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Reichsburg Cochem is one of the most admired castles

Only an hour from my home base is the town of Cochem on the Mosel river. We have gone there several times by tour boat or car. This morning I got up early to make another excursion, the Cochem Castle tour. Arriving in Cochem we parked our car at the Pinnerstrasse city parking lot, which […]

Austria

Cake and Torte

Desserts

Northern Europe

Recipes

A teenager named Sacher created a famous Torte

A couple years back I had this Torte at the original Sacher Hotel Cafe while in Vienna An interesting history: Prince Metternich of Austria asked his court kitchen to create a special dessert for a reception in 1832. The chef was sick that day, so the 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher (1816-1907) dreamed something up: and […]

Bauernbrot, german Crusty, no knead bread, german Farmers bread

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Mein Bauernbrot, a no-knead German crusty Bread

I became a bread baking enthusiast a while back watching a video of a Bakery in NYC. The clip started: “It’s so easy, a four year old can do it”. I had to try, and I am hooked ever since. To enhance the flavor I add 1/2 cup of dark beer and 2 tbsp of vinegar to the flour mixture. Read about another secret ingredient I use to improve the texture in my Blog

French Liver Pate, fine Liverwurst, Feine Leberwurst mir Cognac

Appetizer

France

Northern Europe

Recipes

Spreads

French Liver Pâté, an exotic spread for your Guests

A great Spread for parties is this decadent French Liver Pâté! Sometimes I have a craving for Liverwurst. I have made the Pfälzer before, this one is different. French Liver Pâté is made with Chicken Liver and a shot of Cognac. Brandy or Sherry cooking wine are alternatives Instead of Creme Fraìche, cream cheese mixed […]

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

Obatzda, angemachter Camembert, Bavarian Brie Spread, a Munich speciality

dip

Germany

Northern Europe

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 […]

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….

Austria

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Topfenknödel, a sweet Austrian dish

A typical Austrian or Bavarian dish I ate in Mittenwald, South Bavaria. These are called “Topfenknödel“. Topfen means Quark, and can be substituted with Greek Yoghurt. The dumplings could be be filled with Plum or Apricot pieces, and covered with puppy seed instead of bread crumps. While preparing the Topfenknoedel, you can make the Vanilla […]

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. so I took on a quaint country road. After a couple of hours driving through South Bavaria, I arrived in Mittenwald. A lovely and colorful Bavarian town it is known for their painted Facades on the buildings called Lüftmalerei. South of where the Isar […]

Sourbraten, Sauerbraten, Tangy beef roast

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Tangy Sauerbraten makes your taste buds happy

A Sunday meal I remember growing up. That sweet and sour, tangy taste and smell you won’t forget. Some have to develop tastebuds for it. Sauerbraten can be a big hit a the dinner table, you can’t go wrong cooking for a big crowd. Plan for it way in advance, the marinating takes several days […]

Germany

Northern Europe

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

Northern 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 where I am standing.

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

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

The Freiburg Münster or Cathedral

I decided to stop in Freiburg, which is located in the Rhein plain at the southern edge of the Black Forest. As we were walking to the Münsterplatz, as the Marktplatz is called in Freiburg, I saw the tall Our Beloved Lady Mary Cathedral in the midst of the the historic center.
This is the most important Gothic and historic church reaching back to medieval times. The church is named after Mary as its patron saint
Shortly after the towns founding in 1120, the residents of Freiburg built the parish church on the site of the present day cathedral. The church was replaced by a more sophisticated and modern building after 1200 a. D.

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. […]

Edelweiss flower in Austrian, Bavarian mountains

Allgemein

Germany

Southern Europe

Edelweiss, the “Eternal Flower”

The Alpine Edelweiss (also Leontopodium alpinum) is the only native plant in Central Europe representative of the approximately 40 known Edelweiss species, which are widespread in the mountains of Europe and Asia. It is found in the Alps, the Carpathians and in the Jura, where it settled after the last ice age as an immigrant […]

Southern Europe

Travel Destinations

Stift Melk and Dürnstein at the Danube

While staying in Weissenkirchen, Austria, and the wine region of Wachau, we did day trips to Vienna, the castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Schloss Artstetten), and took a day cruise to Stift Melk. It was a week full of history and sightseeings Arriving at our Bed & Breakfast “Donauhof” Hotel Garni in Weissenkirchen. Wachau is […]

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 […]

Allgemein

Drinks, mixed

Germany

Did German Monks discover the Bier?

We regularly consume beer, know that Germans are involved in global Bier production and can distinguish beer types. Hardly anyone really knows since when the first beer was developed. Many people would answer to this question that it was invented by monks Unfortunately, that’s not quite true, monks started brewing beer long ago (1100’s), and […]

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

My Great-grandfather, the Journeyman

The story is, as I was told, that my great-grandfather was a Journeyman in Leather ware, also called “Gerber” guild in the late 1800’s. He walked (Waltz) in his “Kluft” from North of Trier, and stopped at Master- shoemakers to learn his trade. He arrived and settled in Franconia, the town of Dettelbach, and opened […]

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

Holland

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Amsterdam and its exciting and turbulent history

A couple years back we decided to drive to Amsterdam. I booked a hotel three days ahead online and got a good deal for three nights. While there, I found out that the hotel parking was $35. per day (or $5 an hour on the street). Therefore, I do not recommend to drive into Amsterdam […]

Austria

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Germany

Recipes

Auszogne, a German/Austrian pastry

Auszogne, also called Knieküchle, is a traditional pastry of southern German and Austrian cuisine. They can be found in a Bavarian, Swabia, Frankonia, Austrian and Thuringia kitchen or bakery

Belgium

Breads and Pastry

Desserts

Recipes

Belgian Waffles in Brugge

These Waffles are stuck on my mind, because they are so exceptional, light and fluffy.

German meat patties, Fleischkräpfle , Frikadellen, Buletten

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

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 2 ratings Angie with AngiesWeb Category: […]

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 […]

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

Main Course

Recipes

Side dish

Käsespätzle, or Cheese Spaetzle

While on vacation in Sankt Gilgen, Austria I had this typical Austrian dish called “Käsespatzen”. It consists of Spaetzle noodles and grated hard cheese that is alternately stacked and garnished with fried onions. The Cheese Spaetzle are pushed into the hot oven after they have been layered, so that the Spaetzle does not cool down and the […]

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

German Gulasch (Goulash)

Goulash, in German called Gulasch, is our family tradition for the holidays. I prepare two large pots for my daughter and family, and also for the visiting neighbors and friends. We have Spätzle as a side, or wide Noodles. Some greens like Boston lettuce that complements the meal. Friends of my daughter always looking forward […]

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.

Allgemein

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Hawaii Toast, 1980‘s Party food

This was Germany’s 70/80th party food. I remember when my older sisters had house parties, and these easy toast with ham, pineapple and cheese open faced sandwiches were a hit. These days I still make it occasionally for an easy evening snack or Brotzeit. My daughter introduced her American husband to it, and he loved […]

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, Schmelzkäse or Beer 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.

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Recipes

Crusty French Baguette (no knead)

When I gave baking classes several years ago, I invited about 10 Ladies over to bake breads and baguettes. I had prepared the dough a day before, so I did my demonstration. The house smelled heavenly while baking. Afterward we all sat down and tasted the freshly baked bread with some of my homemadeLiverwurst and […]

Germany

Main Course

Recipes

German Beef Rouladen

The best meat for Rouladen is Top Round Steak and they need to be cut thin. Some Speciality stores or Deli butcher will cut them for you 1/4″ thin Have everything ready. You need chopped onions, pickles and bacon. I prefer cooking my Rouladen in the Dutch Oven as you see below, but a deep […]

Schäufele, Franconia dish, Wuerzburg, meal

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

Cost of Living in Germany

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 […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Germany’s highest Waterfall is in the Black Forest

Last Fall I had the pleasure to view a natural spectacle of a special kind, the waterfall in Triberg in the Black Forest. Foaming and roaring, the waters of the Gutach river plunge down 163 meters. On the paths along the waterfall cascades, I experienced this magnificent natural wonder.

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

New Years Lucky Charms

A Chimney sweep, a Pig, a Horseshoe or four leaf Glover. f you want to help your luck in the new year, you can try lucky charms. I’ll reveal how these little helpers achieved their symbolism. For example, the chimney sweep saved houses from a fire. They are also known as messengers of good fortune.

Condiments

Recipes

Side dish

Vegetarian

A spicy and savory Chutney for your Christmas Table

One of my favorite condiment or side for my Christmas dinner table is an Apple Cranberry Chutney that will go with Beef, Pork, Poultry, or whatever you like.
Also see my Horseradish sauce recipe
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Frohe Weihnachten from my Dinner table to yours!