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French Onion Soup
France
Recipes
Soups

A delicious Soup with simple ingredients

French Onion Soup is quickly prepared and a great, delicious starter on your table. This soup has long been considered a classic “poor people’s food”. Hardly surprising, because the ingredients are simple and almost everyone has them in the house. On top of that, the recipe also offers a good opportunity to use stale bread […]

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Kaiserschmarrn with berries, Austrian dish
Austria
Breads and Pastry
Main Course
Northern Europe
Recipes

Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dish

While strolling through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, Austria, we stopped for lunch at Café Central (est. 1876) for some original Austrian food. The waiter highly recommended this Austrian dish Kaiserschmarrn is an original Austrian sweet dish, made from Palatschinken (pancake) dough. It was created for Kaiser Franz Joseph and Elisabeth (Sissi) in 1854. He […]

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Zwiebelkuchen, Onion tart
Appetizer
Germany
Main Course
Northern Europe
Recipes

Angie’s Zwiebelkuchen

Zwiebelkuchen is a popular German onion pastry. It is served with Federweissen (a new fermented wine). Those two just go hand in hand. You could just use a regular yeast dough, I prefer Puff Pastry, and the dough can be found in the freezer isle (Pepperidge Farms or at Lidl US).  You need a deep […]

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Cornish hens dinner table
Allgemein
Main Course
Recipes

Balsamic glazed Cornish Hens

Cornish Hens, also called Rock Cornish Game Hen, is a cross breed between Cornish game cocks, the Malayan fighting cock and the White Plymouth Rock chicken to produce a succulent smaller bird. It is served while still young and small, weighing less than 2 pounds. One Cornish hen is suitable for a single serving. These […]

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Salzburg Residenzplatz
Austria
Northern Europe
Travel Destinations

Three days in Salzburg, Austria

On the way to Austria, we stopped for a couple days in the in the Salzburg area. Salzburg is located on the border with Germany at the foot of the Eastern Alps. A river name Salzach flows through the middle of the city. On the left bank is the old town, designated as a pedestrian […]

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German yeast rolls. Eierweck
Breads and Pastry
Germany
Northern Europe
Recipes

Eierweck, a German sweet yeast roll

These yeast rolls taste excellent, kind of reminds me a little of brioche. The crust is really thin and tender. The crumb is loose, fluffy-soft and has a buttery aroma. These “Eierweck” sweet bread yeast roll and croissants are found in my Franconia Bakery and the region of Würzburg. As a kid, I remember visiting […]

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Austrian Cheese Spaetzle, Käsespätzle,
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 […]

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Spaghetti Carbonara, Italien dish
Italy
Main Course
Recipes
Southern Europe

Spaghetti Carbonara has a long history

According to a widespread legend, this dish goes back to the Italian Carbonari, who made charcoal in the Appenine mountains. It is said this Spaghetti dish was cooked over a fire in a cast iron pan during their breaks. The Carbonari (Italian for “charcoal makers”) were an informal network of secret revolutionary societies active in the Italian mountains from […]

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Steckerlfish. Spanish Makrele, Fish on a stick
Austria
Germany
Northern Europe
Recipes
Seafood

The Steckerlfish, a Mackerel on a Stick

A delicacy is the “Steckerlfisch” or Fish on a Stick is a Spanish Mackerel that is grilled over a dug out pit with a grey layer of amber. This type of fish is one of my favorites visiting German or Austrian folk festivals.
The Steckerlfisch originates from the “kitchen” of the former Danube fishermen, and has been written about in books of the early 1900’s.

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Boennigheim Boris lehner, Assassin
Allgemein
Germany

A German Murderer who died defending General Robert E. Lee

A book of history and mystery in Southern Germany was written by Ann Marie Ackerman, the award-winning author of “Death of an Assassin”. The book is about a true story of the German Murderer Who Died Defending Robert E. Lee (Kent State University Press, 2017). Ann-Marie is a former American prosecutor now living in Bönnigheim, […]

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Drachenburg Castle, Königswinter
Germany
Northern Europe
Travel Destinations

Drachenburg Castle, an elegant Palace with a magnificent Terrace

One day a couple years ago we took the Old Trolly train halfway up to the Drachenburg Castle. It is a newer castle built in 1884, located about a mile below the Drachenfels ruin and a jewel of the romantic Middle Rhine and Königswinter. The Old Trolley Train “Drachenfelsbahn” is the oldest operated Rack or […]

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Spaghetti Bolognese
Italy
Main Course
Northern Europe
Recipes

What? Spaghetti Bolognese not from Italy??!!

To make one thing clear, the Spaghetti Bolognese dish is not an Italian invention. Nevertheless, you can often find it on menus in many other countries prepared in different ways. The name “Spaghetti Bolognese” is actually used when you mean the long pasta that is served with minced meat sauce. So whenever I am in […]

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Gugelhupf, Bundt cake, Guglhupf
Austria
Cake and Torte
Germany
Northern Europe
Recipes

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 […]

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Apple puff pastry roses
Breads and Pastry
Cake and Torte
Desserts
Recipes

Easy, tasty and pretty, Apple Rose Cup Cakes

These Apple Rose Cub Cakes or muffins are beautiful to look at, simply made with store bought puff pastry dough and fresh apples. These cup cakes are not only pretty, they also taste uniquely delicious. The fruity-sweet taste of the apples goes perfectly with the dough. Puff pastry sheets can be bought at the freezer […]

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Leipzig Altes Rathaus
Germany
Travel Destinations

Leipzig claims to fame of J. S. Bach, but also a darker time

I have been in Leipzig several times, the first time 1997, only 8 years after the wall fell in the former DDR. It was just being rebuilt, and still looked gray with 40 years of decay. Leipzig has undergone significant change with the restoration of many historical buildings, the demolition of others, and the development […]

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White Asparagus, tenderloin, Weisser Spargel und Lende. Bechamel sosse
Appetizer
Germany
Recipes
Side dish

Spargel time in Germany

Mid April is white Asparagus picking time, and right after you can find “Spargel” dishes in almost every Restaurant in Germany. In other parts of the world, they are available year round. Spargel are in soups, also in salads with oil and vinegar dressing and a chopped boiled egg on top. Sometimes Spargel is served […]

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Porta Nigra, Trier, Germany
Germany
Northern Europe
Travel Destinations

Trier, the most impressive ancient city in Germany

The Rhineland has some amazing sights. Just 1.5 hrs drive from my river cottage is the city of Trier. First settled by the celts, then the Romans 2000 years ago, it is the oldest city in Germany with a magnificent ancient gate or monument, the Porta Nigra. Located in the Middle-Mosel valley with a scenic […]

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Colmar, France
France
Northern Europe
Travel Destinations

Colmar, the most picturesque, historic town in the Alsace

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.

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King Ludwig II of Bavaria Royal train
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 […]

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Swabian dish, Maultaschen on a Plate3
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 […]

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Aachen Cathedral
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 […]

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Yoghurt-Fruit cheese cake with blueberry and raspberry
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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Nuernberg Albrecht Duerer Haus
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 […]

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Noerdlingen is built on a crater
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.

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Cochem castle
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 […]

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Sacher Torte, Hotel Sacher
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 […]

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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

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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 […]

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Käsesahne Torte, German cream cakes
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

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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 […]

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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….

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Mittenwald, Karwendel Mountains, Bavaria
Germany
Northern Europe
Travel Destinations

Mittenwald in the Karwendel mountains

When traveling 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, which is known for painted Facades on the buildings called Lüftmalerei. South of where the Isar rises, […]

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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 […]

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Landshut, Bavaria streetscape
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 […]

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Ellmau, der Bergdoktor
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.

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Bad Füssing Therme1, Bavaria
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 […]

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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 […]

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Apfelschlipfkuchen, Sunken Apple cake
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. 

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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 […]

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Stift Melk, Wachau Austria
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 […]

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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 […]

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Burg Eltz castle
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 […]

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German Bier glasses
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 […]

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Geselle, Journeyman in Cologne
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 […]

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German Wurstsalat
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

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Amsterdam, Netherland
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 […]

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Auszogne, Kniekuechle, Bavarian Donut
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

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Belgium waffle
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.

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Frankonia Bratwurst
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 […]

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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 […]

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Stuffed Cabbage, Krautwickel mit Kartoffelsalat
Germany
Main Course
Northern Europe
Recipes

Krautwickel or Stuffed Cabbage

The other weekend I took advantage of the “man-is-not-at-home hour” and made my mothers cabbage wraps – and really celebrated it! Winter vegetables arouse little enthusiasm in men. And that’s expressed nicely. So on that Saturday I treated myself to this classic. Leaf by leaf filled with spiced hamburger meat and tied into small packs. Yes, admittedly, at the end I still had a lot of cabbage wraps left over. But the good thing about it, they can be frozen. Perfect for lazy weekends when I feel like eating hearty home cooked meal.

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French lemon cake, Cake au Citron
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 […]

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Weisswurst, Bavaria
Germany
Main Course
Recipes

How the Weisswurst was born (Recipe)

The Viktualienmarkt is a Biergarten in the middle of Munich. There you can buy the famous Weisswurst. It is the custom that you eat the hot Weisswurst with a grainy sweet Mustard and Pretzel. Originally it was served before noon, now all day, in a covered soup bowl submerged in hot water.

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German Rolls, Broetchen, German bread
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. […]

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Wuerzburg Alte Mainbrücke banner
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 […]

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German Goulash (Gulasch)
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 […]

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Crepes. French pancakes
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 […]

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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.

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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:

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Serviettenknoede, bread dumplings
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 […]

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Bacherach Rhein, Rhine
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 […]

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Beer cheese, Kochkaese, Schmelzkaese
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.

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Crusty no-knead French baguette
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 homemade Liverwurst […]

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Beef Rouladen, German Rouladen
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 […]

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German Breakfast
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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Compiled by Americans living in Germany, Cost of living in Germany
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, this post was updated August 2020, 1 Euro ~ $1.17 Per Facebook group ” Americans living in/considering moving to Germany ” ~3000 members Food cost and quality: About 30% less, especially cheeses, wurst […]

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Tafelspitz, Krenfleisch
Germany
Main Course
Northern Europe
Recipes

Tafelspitz, or Franconian Wedding Dinner

Also called “Fränkisches Hochzeitsessen”, or Franconian Wedding Dinner. Beef boiled in spices and vegetables, it was a staple at our dinner table when growing up. Can be eaten with potatoes or wide noodles. Besides Horseradish sauce in recipe below, the condiment of my choice is Cranberry Chutney. I have not found Preiselbeeren, so this is […]

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