

The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history
There are Roland statues in many German towns and cities, symbolizing freedom and market rights. Bremen’s Roland statue is one of the most beautiful, and, according to UNESCO experts, the most representative and one of the oldest examples. As the legendary knight and protector of Freedom, he statue Roland stands 10 meters (33 feet) high and is made of limestone. Together with Bremen’s town hall, … Continue reading The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history

The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle
Sometimes, when arriving at the Frankfurt Airport and driving on the Autobahn to Würzburg, I stop by the Mespelbrunn palace built in 1569. The moated castle, also called Wasserschloss, is located in north Bavaria between Aschaffenburg and my hometown Würzburg The castle has gained worldwide fame due to its picturesque appearance and romantic location. In May 1, 1412, the Archbishop Johann von Mainz gave the … Continue reading The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle

Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria
A couple years ago I was driving towards Füssen through the Bavarian countryside. I saw the sign “Wieskirche” and instantly remembered visiting this church with my parents as a child. The Wieskirche in Upper Bavaria is a jewel of the South German Rococo. The building, created by the Zimmermann brothers, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In this volume, the church and … Continue reading Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

The highest cold water Geysir is in Andernach
The highest cold water Geysir is in Andernach at the Rhein, and probably the most spectacular natural phenomenon in that region The Expedition began at the Geysir Museum Andernach. Here is the world of geysers and volcanoes explained in an impressive exhibition. The adventure at the Geysir Museum took us through six different museum areas: Prelude, depth, slate cavern, borehole, exits, and above ground. During … Continue reading The highest cold water Geysir is in Andernach

Crunchy French Puff Pastry (Schweineohren)
Schweineohren, also called Palmiers or Prussiens, is a sweet French pastry that is made from puff pastry. They are usually filled with butter, sugar and sometimes cinnamon. Continue reading Crunchy French Puff Pastry (Schweineohren)

Bouillabaisse, a French Fish soup
While making a stop in Marseille in October 2022, I ate this very tasty Fish soup. In France it is called Bouillabaisse and was originally the sailor’s and poor man’s food. Now it is served mostly in fine restaurants. Back then, the lesser quality fish or seafood leftovers have been boiled for a long time to elicit the full flavor of the ingredients. This kind … Continue reading Bouillabaisse, a French Fish soup

A 1000 year old Cookie recipe that calms your Nerves
According to Hildegard von Bingen ancient written recipe that calms your nerves; the spices that are used strengthen the five senses: a clear vision, acute hearing, a fine taste of sense of smell and a sensitive touch Continue reading A 1000 year old Cookie recipe that calms your Nerves

Spinach Dumplings at the ‘Buzihütte’ in Tyrol
We ate these delicious Spinach dumplings after a short climb up a mountain to the rustic Buzihütte restaurant near Innsbruck, Austria. Afterward we sat with the locals and sang Continue reading Spinach Dumplings at the ‘Buzihütte’ in Tyrol

Marillenknödel, a sweet and delicious Austrian Apricot dumpling
I ate this dessert or dish at the Mariandl Restaurant in Spitz, Austria. The “Marille” is a protected designation of small Apricot that grows in the Wachau wine region of Austria. Continue reading Marillenknödel, a sweet and delicious Austrian Apricot dumpling

A German Farmers Almanac or Bauernkalender
Experience and knowledge are handed down in the old peasant rules, written down in the Almanac that are part of our cultural history. Generations of farmers and gardeners have gathered an immense amount of knowledge through expert observation of nature, which is hereby made accessible In a “Bauernkalender” weather rules, farmer’s rules, farmer wisdom rules, daily rules, wisdom rules, animal rules, plant rules, harvest rules, … Continue reading A German Farmers Almanac or Bauernkalender

German Gulasch (Goulash), a traditional home cooked meal
Goulash, in German called Gulasch, is our family tradition for large gatherings and holidays . At Christmas I prepare two large pots of Gulasch for my daughter and family, and also for the visiting neighbors and friends. Every year at the holidays, they are looking forward to my home cooked meals Continue reading German Gulasch (Goulash), a traditional home cooked meal

Austrian 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, then baked in a hot oven In Swabia, the Käsespätzle are traditionally prepared with mountain cheese and/or Emmentaler cheese. In Vorarlberg there is a different type of preparation; you can find Montafon Käsespätzle with … Continue reading Austrian Käsespätzle, or Cheese Spaetzle

A Kaiser, his mistress and a Gugelhupf
One wonders if you have a genuine “Kaisergugelhupf” (Emperor bundt cake) on your plate at the Café. Only bakers and baking enthusiasts, who do a little research would be familiar with the true consistency of the dough. After all, we know there are many different variations on the internet, and there is very large collections of fake recipes among them Continue reading A Kaiser, his mistress and a Gugelhupf

Mittenwald in the Karwendel mountains
Mittenwald. A lovely and colorful Bavarian town, which is known for painted Facades on the buildings called Lüftmalerei Continue reading Mittenwald in the Karwendel mountains

Crystal clear lakes awaits you at the Königssee
The Königssee is in Southern Bavaria in the Berchtesgadener Land. This lake has crystal-clear water and spectacular views to the mountains. Continue reading Crystal clear lakes awaits you at the Königssee

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. Continue reading Würzburg, where I grew up

German Beef Rouladen
A favorite meal I prepare for guests while in the US are Rouladen, because it can’t be found in many restaurants. The best meat for Rouladen is Top Round beef, cut into 1/4 inch thin steaks. Continue reading German Beef Rouladen

Hallstatt, has the most beautiful scenic views
In 2010, while in Salzburg, we did a 45 min drive to Hallstatt in Austria. We decided to stay two nights in a darling Bed and Breakfast. The idea came when we watched a Rick Steves. It was well worth Continue reading Hallstatt, has the most beautiful scenic views

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 homemade French Liver Pate and Cheeses. While preparing my German Bauernbrot I … Continue reading French Baguette (no knead)

Nusszopf, a Nut Braid that is an Easter tradition
This recipe for yeast and Nusszopf or nut braid is not only delicious at Easter, you can prepare the sweet delicacy all year round. You can make the juicy, buttery nut filling in the yeast loaf with different types of nuts, like Walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts. Continue reading Nusszopf, a Nut Braid that is an Easter tradition

Gratin Dauphinois, a creamy Potato casserole
Gratin Dauphinois is a French dish of sliced potatoes baked in milk and/or cream, using the Gratin technique from the Dauphiné region in south-eastern France I ate the Gratin Dauphinois on my way to Colmar while staying in the Black Forest. This scalloped potato casserole dish is absolutely simple. Made with just potatoes, heavy cream, garlic, butter, salt and pepper. If you like you can … Continue reading Gratin Dauphinois, a creamy Potato casserole