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Blaukraut, the German Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, known as Rotkohl in northern Germany and Blaukraut in Bavaria, is a beloved side dish that brings color, flavor, and tradition to the table. Its balance of tangy vinegar and natural sweetness from apples makes it a staple at festive meals, especially Christmas, alongside roast goose, duck, or pork. Growing up in Bavaria, this dish often appeared at holiday tables, … Continue reading Blaukraut, the German Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
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The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Cake
It was a slow, rainy day just before Thanksgiving—perfect for staying in slippers, sipping something warm, and turning the kitchen into my sanctuary. With no rush or obligations, I felt fortunate to be home, listening to the raindrops and the gentle hum of my oven. With the holidays approaching, I knew exactly what I wanted to bake: a Pumpkin Spice Cake, my grandson’s favorite. As … Continue reading The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Cake
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Make authentic German Glühwein at home
Glühwein is a hot spiced mulled red wine and part of the Christmas market like the gifts under the Christmas tree. The quality of the hot spiced wine at the Christmas market is usually not very good, I only drink it because I want to warm up when it’s cold. Continue reading Make authentic German Glühwein at home
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A Chicken Stuffing from my Childhood
There are recipes that feed the body, and then there are those that nourish the soul. My Mother’s Chicken Stuffing—her treasured “Fülle”—is one of those. Passed down through generations of Franconian cooks, this dish is more than just a side; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a Sunday morning ritual that shaped my childhood. I remember waking up early, the scent of onions and butter … Continue reading A Chicken Stuffing from my Childhood
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German Gulasch (Goulash), a Pot of Comfort
Some dishes are more than just food—they’re a gathering, a memory, a warm embrace in the middle of winter. Every Christmas Eve, I make a big pot of German Gulasch at my daughter’s house, and it’s become a tradition that brings together not just our family, but our neighbors too. There’s something magical about cooking in a large Dutch oven. The aromas fill the house. … Continue reading German Gulasch (Goulash), a Pot of Comfort
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Spicy and savory Apple-Cranberry Chutney
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. It’ll taste definitely better than the store bought one, and can be prepared in only 16 minutes. I received lots of complements at the dinner table
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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 “spatchcock” your bird, also called “Butterflied Turkey” If your turkey is natural and has not been brined or pre-seasoned, you brine it first with directions below: Spatchcocking a turkey before brining allows the … Continue reading Spatchcock a Turkey?
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Hometown Wuerzburg, Charming Blend of History, Culture, and Scenic Beauty
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. Continue reading Hometown Wuerzburg, Charming Blend of History, Culture, and Scenic Beauty
A Culinary Treat in Prague: Eating Bohemian Dumplings (Böhmische Knödel)
Wandering the cobblestone streets of Prague, watching the afternoon light catch the spires of the Old Town, and enjoying a memorable meal overlooking the river is truly magical. During my visit to the Czech capital, one dinner stood out: savoring Bohemian Yeast Dumplings (Böhmische Knödel) at an exquisite Restaurant. Perched right on the bank of the Vltava River near the historic Charles Bridge, Restaurant Mlýnec … Continue reading A Culinary Treat in Prague: Eating Bohemian Dumplings (Böhmische Knödel)
Apple-Cinnamon-Nut Cake for your Thanksgiving Table
There’s something comforting about celebrating Thanksgiving with friends, especially when you can share a piece of your heritage. This year, I wanted to bring a cherished German favorite from my upbringing in Germany: Apfel-Zimt-Nusskuchen (Apple-Cinnamon-Nut Cake). This wholesome cake is wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced, and brings back memories of crisp autumn afternoons in German kitchens. The Secret to a Perfect Fall Bake The beauty of … Continue reading Apple-Cinnamon-Nut Cake for your Thanksgiving Table
Eating the best Piccata Milanese at a pit stop in Italy
From Franconia to the Colosseum: There’s a unique charm in a long-distance bus trip across Europe. Watching the landscape shift from Franconia’s vineyards to the majestic Alps and finally to Italy’s Lombardy region offers an experience that airplane windows can’t match. In Milan, I enjoyed a delightful Piccata Milanese at a cozy Trattoria. When we planned our journey from Würzburg to Rome, we knew we’d … Continue reading Eating the best Piccata Milanese at a pit stop in Italy
Traditional German Haschee (Hearty Minced Meat Dish)
From High Horsepower to Hearty Comfort: My Haschee Experience in Swabia. I found myself wandering the halls of the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, admiring the sleek curves of iconic 911s and vintage racing legends, my brain is going to go into sensory overload. Trust me, drooling over decades of German engineering builds up a serious appetite. Luckily, I knew exactly what cure I needed for … Continue reading Traditional German Haschee (Hearty Minced Meat Dish)
Homemade Beef & Veggie Stew for Dogs
I love pampering my Sheltie Finn with homemade meals, and this hearty beef and vegetable stew is one way to add variety to a dog’s dinner. Made with lean ground beef, beef liver, wholesome grains, vegetables, and pumpkin puree, this recipe uses familiar ingredients to create a home-cooked meal your dog may enjoy. Whether you’re looking to supplement your dog’s regular kibble or explore home … Continue reading Homemade Beef & Veggie Stew for Dogs
A taste of Greece: Eating Lemon Chicken in Heraklion
While the cruise ship has many dining options, nothing compares to authentic Greek food on the Crete isle. We discovered a hidden traditional tavern in a cobblestone alley of Heraklion’s old town. We ordered Greek Lemon Chicken with roasted Potatoes (Λεμονάτο Κοτόπουλο με Πατάτες). The tavern offered the perfect Greek experience: checkered tablecloths, soft bouzouki music, and a friendly owner eager for us to try … Continue reading A taste of Greece: Eating Lemon Chicken in Heraklion
Hazelnut Cake (Haselnusskuchen) from My Mother’s Kitchen
If you were to enter my mother’s kitchen on a crisp Sunday afternoon, you’d first hear the gentle hum of the oven and smell the comforting aroma of toasted almonds and warm chocolate. You can substitute Hazelnuts by grinding and baking with unpeeled Almonds instead. In Bavaria, Sunday is sacred, and it belongs to Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake). It’s not just a snack; … Continue reading Hazelnut Cake (Haselnusskuchen) from My Mother’s Kitchen
Dining in History: Königsberger Klopse at the Bremen Ratskeller
Dining at the historic Ratskeller in Bremen, located beneath the iconic Gothic town hall, offers a truly singular experience. With a history spanning over 600 years and surrounded by impressive wooden wine barrels, I felt as though I had traveled back in time while enjoying a traditional northern German dish known as Königsberger Klopse (meatballs served in a rich caper sauce). At the Bremen Ratskeller, … Continue reading Dining in History: Königsberger Klopse at the Bremen Ratskeller
