European Foodie and Travel Blog© • Culinary and Culture

The Alsace region with all its beauty is a real place for connoisseurs, but above all, it causes tourists to be amazed. The town of Colmar, is arguably the most delightful city in France! While staying in the Black Forest, I left one morning after breakfast to drive to the French side. Colmar, the third largest city in the region, is no longer a real small town with its almost 67,000 inhabitants, but is often regarded as such due to its intimacy and its enticing small town charm. My expectations were rewarded visiting this magnificent city.

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Versailles on Wheels, two glorious Wagons of King Ludwig ll

While in Nürnberg we spent time exploring the DB Museum (Train Museum) on Lessingstrasse. There we saw two magnificent, original train wagons of the King of Bavaria, Ludwig II (1860’s). Ludwig took over the train from his father Maximilian II in 1864. He not only wanted the train to be technically modern, but also culturally […]

Appetizer

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Maultaschen, a typical Swabian Dish

On the way driving south to the Black Forest, we stopped for a couple of days at some friends house near Stuttgart. The next day we were served “Maultaschen” for lunch, which is a type of meat pocket. It instantly reminded me of an oversized Ravioli. Maybe there was an Italien influence? There are different […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

The Aachen Cathedral, a place of Pilgrimage and Royal Coronations

Staying near Bonn, we decided to take an hour’s drive to the Aachen Cathedral or Dom, which was founded 800 a.D. by Charlemagne “Charles the Great” and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic and glamorous building is an emblem of Aachen and a landmark in occidental architecture Around 800 AD., Charlemagne built […]

Cake and Torte

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Eat a Yoghurt-Fruit Cheese cake without the Guilt

If you miss the German cheese cakes and think it’s not good for your hips, then bake it with Quark, in this case Greek-Yoghurt with Fruit. To make it easy, you can use Graham crackers as a crust. When you reduce the sugar, add the Fruits like Mandarines, Cherries and/or dark Berries. It will complete […]

Groesses Fass, Heidelberg 1886, per Wikimedia

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

The largest Wine Barrel in the World is in Heidelberg

After taking a two hour boat ride on the Neckar, we disembarked and walked towards the Heidelberg University. On a steep incline to the Schlossberg we saw the funicular “Bergbahn” to the ruined Heidelberg castle. We decided to jump on and take a short ride up to see the largest Wine barrel in the world. […]

Pfahlbauten Bodensee, wooden huts on stakes

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

The Bronze age comes to life at the Bodensee

The last time we visited the Bodensee, we stopped near Unteruhldingen to see the “Pfahlbauten”. These are wooden huts built on stilts or poles that were reconstructed in 1999 from a 3000 year old settlement of the Bronze age. It originally consisted of 80 such houses with 400 m², and now has 27 Huts with […]

Käse-Schinken Stangen, Cheese-Prosciutto Twists, Parmesan twists

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Schinken Stangen or Prosciutto twists

One of my favorite puff pastries I buy at my favorite German Bakery. They are called Schinken Stangen, or Prosciutto twists. I can’t wait, so I eat them on the way home while they are still warm. Other fillings for the twists can be just Parmesan, Nutella or a Walnut paste. I did a little […]

Lieser castle, Lieser Schloss, Castle at the Mosel river

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Feel like a Royalty at the Lieser Castle, now a Luxury Hotel

Last year on the way to Trier we planned to stay a couple nights at a B&B at Bernkastel-Kues at the Mosel. We happen to drive through the town of Lieser and saw a beautiful castle to our left. When we arrived at our accommodation, I asked about this gorgeous building, and we were told […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Nuremberg Albrecht Dürer Haus

A couple years back, while in Nürnberg, we were eating at the Augustiner Restaurant. As we were enjoying our lunch, we struck a conversation with the waitress about places to explore. She mentioned the historic Albrecht Dürer half-timbered Fachwerk home just a couple feet away. Dürer was Germany’s most famous painter and lived from 1509 […]

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.

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 This spread includes Beer and Caraway seeds which is added in many Southern German dishes. Thinking about Bavarian Pork roast and Sauerkraut. I have an American friend who despised […]

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….

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 […]

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. The name “Leberkäse” is a misnomer, it does not contain liver or cheese, mainly pork, therefore some people call it Fleischkäse and in English “German meat loaf“ You can buy these sandwiches at most Butcher shops in Germany as a snack. It is […]

Cake and Torte

Desserts

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Apfelschlupfkuchen (Sunken Apple Cake)

I remember my very first cake I baked when I was eight. It was a Sunken Apple cake and I was so delighted. I remember carrying the apple cake outside to the garage to show to my dad. A proud moment I will never forget.

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.

Allgemein

Germany

Northern Europe

Travel Destinations

Bratwurst “Drei im Weggla” or “Zwa im Halbn”

Just like there are different dialects in Germany, there are variances of recipes for the Bratwurst, especially in the Franconia region of Germany The Coburger Bratwurst is the largest with at least 31 cm. It’s a coarse kind, and usually roasted over the open pine cone fire, which gives it the special flavor. It is […]

German meat patties, Fleischkräpfle , Frikadellen, Buletten

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Frikadelle or German Meat Patties

In Bavaria they called Fleischpflanzerl, in Franconia Fleischküchle, Fleischkräpfle or Frikadelle, and in the North, Buletten or Bratklops. My mothers recipe of these German meat patties, as I remember, contained spices like salt and pepper, paprika, nutmeg and lemon zest/juice. Other ingredients are eggs, soaked rolls, onions parsley and sour cream. Frikadelle or German […]

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

France

Northern Europe

Recipes

French Lemon Cake (Cake au Citron)

On our travels to Paris, France, I found this fantastic Lemon cake at a Pâtisserie Cafe. I did some research on French recipes, and baked it to the best of my knowledge Internal temperature should be at least 207 F, or do a toothpick test For cake I use a 9″ x 5″ oven loaf […]

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Soups

Vegetarian

Lentil Soup with a twist

Once a week I cook a broth with chicken pieces for our doggies, so it has a little different twist. I cook it in a Dutch Oven my daughter gave me for Christmas. There is enough broth left for me to make a wholesome Lentil soup, perfect for a cold Winter day Some Dutch ovens […]

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. […]

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 large gatherings and 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 […]

Desserts

France

Main Course

Recipes

French Crêpes, a thin, melt in your mouth kinda pancake

French Crêpes are very thin delicate pancakes. They are not sweet, but instead savory. Unlike pancakes, Crêpes have a very smooth batter, mostly achieved with a hand mixer, but whisking in a bowl can do the job. The batter can be made the night before, or let rest in the bowl at least an hour […]

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.

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:

Germany

Northern Europe

Recipes

Side dish

Serviettenknödel, or Semmelknödel in a Loaf pan

Have you ever been afraid of bread dumplings falling apart in the water, because of some experience of the past? There are two foolproof options for beginners. For one recipe I use a 9″x 5″ loaf pan and bake it in the oven, the other is “Serviettenknödel” that you roll into a clean cotton cloth […]

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

A favorite meal I prepare for guests while in the US are Rouladen, it can’t be found in many restaurants. The best meat for Rouladen is Top Round beef cut into 1/4 inch thin steaks. If you can’t find them have a speciality store or Deli butcher will slice them for you. For this recipe […]

Allgemein

Breads and Pastry

Germany

Recipes

Frühstück, a German breakfast feast

When in Germany, do like the Germans do; this is my mantra which I follow religiously. A German or “continental” type breakfast is not eaten every day at home, mostly on special days like weekends and religious holidays. This breakfast buffet would be found daily at your hotel or B&B in the breakfast room. When […]

Bavarian pork roast, Krustenbraten. Schweinebraten

Germany

Main Course

Northern Europe

Recipes

Bavarian Pork Roast from my Childhood

As a child, I remember waking up on a Sunday morning to the smell of my mothers Bavarian Pork Roast in the oven. She would go to the early church service, and then roast the Schweinebraten while we were gone to the later mass. At noon we were ready to sit at the table or […]

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, Feb. 2020, 1 Euro ~ $1.09 Per Facebook group ” Americans living in/considering moving to […]

Cake and Torte

Recipes

Banana Walnut Bread

Banana Walnut Bread is a true American recipe that appeared in a Pillsbury recipe book in 1933 (without the nuts). With a follow-up release in the original Chiquita’s Banana’s Recipe Book, the Banana bread gained more acceptance in 1950. So whenever I have over-ripe bananas at home, this cake is the first thing that comes […]