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Porto, Portugal: A Cultural and Enchanting Destination
Porto is a captivating city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-famous Port Wine. If you like me, a culture lover, foodie and casual traveler, Porto offers an unforgettable experience. This city is filled with charming neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and unique local flavors. After we spent four wonderful days exploring the city of Lisbon, we took a scenic three-hour ride to the charming … Continue reading Porto, Portugal: A Cultural and Enchanting Destination
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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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A Step Back in Time: My visit to Pfunds Dairy in Dresden
Back in 2010, while exploring the elegant city of Dresden, I stumbled upon a place that felt like a scene from a storybook—Pfunds Molkerei, a historic Dairy shop. I had read whispers of its beauty, but nothing prepared me for the moment I stepped through the door. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of fresh cream and aged cheese. But what truly … Continue reading A Step Back in Time: My visit to Pfunds Dairy in Dresden
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The town of Buttenheim has a legacy, the famous Levi Strauss
The approx. 3000 inhabitants of Buttenheim did not suspect for a long time that Levi Strauss originally came from there. Only a letter from America, which asked the then mayor in 1983 for information about the birthplace of the jeans inventor, triggered intensive research. An entry in the birth register of the Buttenheim Jewish community and an emigration certificate from the Bamberg State Archives finally proved that Levi Strauss spent his first 18 years of life in Buttenheim. Continue reading The town of Buttenheim has a legacy, the famous Levi Strauss
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The best boat ride of my life to Portofino, Italy
While on our Mediterranean cruise, the ship stopped for a day in Genoa, Italy. In my excitement, the night before, I booked a 40 min boat ride to Portofino. While going alongside the Italian coast, I was amazed of the typical Italian colorful architecture. Continue reading The best boat ride of my life to Portofino, Italy
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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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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
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
Sunday Dinners in Bavaria: Schweinshaxe (Crispy Pork Knuckle)
There are certain smells that instantly transport you back across an ocean and decades of time. For me, whenever the rich, savory aroma of slow-roasted pork, dark beer, and caraway fills the kitchen, I am right back home when eating a crispy Schweinshaxr or Pork Knuckle in Bavaria. Growing up, Sunday dinner wasn’t just a meal—it was an event. Every other Sunday, and without fail … Continue reading Sunday Dinners in Bavaria: Schweinshaxe (Crispy Pork Knuckle)
German Bohnensalat (Green Bean Salad) from my Childhood
Some recipes instantly transport us back to a particular place and time. For me, German Bohnensalat or in English Green Bean Salad, brings back memories of growing up in Bavaria, where even the humblest ingredients found their way onto the table in delicious and comforting ways. During the summer months, green beans were a staple in many Bavarian kitchens. They appeared in soups, alongside roasted … Continue reading German Bohnensalat (Green Bean Salad) from my Childhood
Butterkuchen: Bavarian Comfort that brings back Memories
There are certain cakes that don’t just taste good — they feel like home. For me, Butterkuchen (Butter cake) is one of those. Its golden surface, the gentle crackle of caramelized sugar, and the buttery aroma drifting through the kitchen instantly transport me back to my childhood in Bavaria. I can still picture it: a sunny Sunday afternoon, the table set with a simple cotton … Continue reading Butterkuchen: Bavarian Comfort that brings back Memories
Why I Love Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelkuchen mit Streusel)
Apples and Streusel are the dream team of late summer and fall — fruity brightness meets sweet, buttery crumbles. It’s simply heavenly. One of the reasons I adore this cake is how quickly it comes together. In just about 15 minutes, it’s ready to go into the oven. Perfect for those moments when you need something delicious in a hurry. And if guests show up … Continue reading Why I Love Apple Streusel Cake (Apfelkuchen mit Streusel)
Greek Flat Bread, Soft Pita on the Greek Isles
One of my favorite food memories comes from a sun-soaked afternoon during our Greek Isles cruise, with the Aegean’s impossibly blue waters and a breeze hinting at salt and wild herbs. Here we had a fantastic Gyros with soft Pita bread. When our ship anchored off Santorini, we took a tender boat ashore, surrounded by whitewashed houses stacked like sugar cubes on the cliffs. My … Continue reading Greek Flat Bread, Soft Pita on the Greek Isles
Bremen’s Hidden Gems: Town Hall, Musicians & More
I spent three days in Bremen, and from the moment I arrived, the city felt like a place where stories linger in the streets. Bremen is compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough in history and culture that every corner seems to hold something worth pausing for. My visit became a blend of medieval architecture, fairy‑tale nostalgia, and unforgettable meals—exactly the kind of … Continue reading Bremen’s Hidden Gems: Town Hall, Musicians & More
