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Pumpkin Spice holiday bread
It’s a slow rainy day just before Thanksgiving. I am fortunate to be able stay at home and devote my time to baking This morning I was looking through my cupboard and to my surprise, I had all the ingredients for a Pumpkin Spice holiday bread or cake. Since we were so close to the holidays I decided to bake this afternoon The spices you … Continue reading Pumpkin Spice holiday bread
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Palatschinken, a sweet Austrian Pancake Dessert
Last October I stayed at an Austrian B&B near Salzburg. The Alpine looking home reminded me of my favorite TV show “Der Bergdoktor“. It was late afternoon, so I searched online for Restaurants near me, where I could eat some Austrian cuisine. An hour later I had a nice dinner with a Palatschinken Austrian pancake as a dessert The Racklwirt Guesthouse was very close, in … Continue reading Palatschinken, a sweet Austrian Pancake Dessert
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Saint Nicholas tomb is in Bari, Italy
While on our Mediterranean cruise we booked an excursion to Bari, Italy, which is a southern Italian coastal town. Unbeknownst to me, we stopped at a cathedral which has a significance in most of the Christian world. It has a tomb with relics of St. Nicolaus Continue reading Saint Nicholas tomb is in Bari, Italy
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King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau
My daughter and I enjoyed some beautiful, sunny days early October in the vicinity of Füssen near the King Ludwig II castles. Since Neuschwanstein was under renovation, we were looking forward to take a tour through Hohenschwangau castle, which was also Ludwig’s and Otto’s childhood home. After buying our tour tickets we proceeded to take a horse buggy up a semi- steep hill, with the … Continue reading King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau
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Idstein has a well preserved Altstadt
While staying at a hotel west of Frankfurt, I realized the next town over was Idstein in the state of Hesse. I grabbed a brochure at the Hotel reception and read it has a well preserved historical Altstadt (Old Town). I was looking forward to see it for myself. Idstein is part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (Timber-Frame Road), connecting towns with fine Fachwerk buildings and houses. The König-Adolf-Platz (on … Continue reading Idstein has a well preserved Altstadt
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The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain
In the first week in October 2023, my daughter and I spent five days in Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. It was a Saturday, an especially warm and clear day with blue skies. I have tried several times to reach the Zugspitze which is in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but the weather was not ideal, but today were perfect conditions We started out at the Bahnhof in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, … Continue reading The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain
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Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas
Rumtopf is a German and Austrian dessert made of mixed fruit and Rum traditionally eaten around Christmas. It is made by preserving pieces of fruit that have been soaking in Rum for months, to which other fruits are added in the summer and early fall. In Austria the Rumtopf is often made with a strong, spiced Austrian Rum called Stroh. Each season brings different fruit, … Continue reading Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas
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Make your own Eierlikör (Eggnog Liqueur)
The traditional Eierlikör, also called Advocaat in Dutch, is an alcoholic beverage made of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and rum or brandy. The rich and creamy drink has a smooth, custard like consistency. Typically, the alcohol content of the finished Eggnog Liqueur is between 14% and 20% ABV. To make your unique gift, you can fill your homemade Eggnog Liqueur into Carafes with Lid that you … Continue reading Make your own Eierlikör (Eggnog Liqueur)
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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
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Melt in your mouth Walnut cookies with Chocolate Truffles
Bake super tasty walnut cookies – a delicious shortcrust pastry, a simple cookie recipe even for Beginners!
Baking cookies couldn’t be quicker or easier: My recipe for delicious walnut works with a little trick without cutting out. The cookie dough is simply rolled in little balls, placed in your hand and pressed with 3 fingers to make grooves. Awesome right? That works really well. Of course, the cookies taste really delicious, and if you like, with confectioner sugar sprinkled on top! Continue reading Melt in your mouth Walnut cookies with Chocolate Truffles
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German Vanilla Crescents (Vanillakipferl)
Vanilla Crescents are a real classic and one of the most popular Christmas cookies. In this recipe, the crescents are easy to make, and will melt in your mouth, just like my Oma and Mother made them Continue reading German Vanilla Crescents (Vanillakipferl)
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No-knead delicious Cranberry-Walnut bread
As many of my friends know, I love to bake breads, and that in many varieties. Today I baked my Cranberry-Walnut bread with my German no-knead bread basic recipe (below) in the very hot Dutch oven. I just added some dried Cranberries and crushed Walnuts. This bread makes a festive edition to your holiday dinner, may it be Thanksgiving or Christmas. Continue reading No-knead delicious Cranberry-Walnut bread
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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
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Marburg, a lovely old town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes
A large part of Marburg has many half-timbered homes that have been lovingly renovated and is today again showing its historical charm. My stroll through the picturesque alleys started at the Market square, whose striking Rathaus or town hall in late Gothic style was completed in 1527. I took a pause and shot some pictures of this magnificent building while waiting for the City Trolley Train. Continue reading Marburg, a lovely old town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes
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A strange sight, Parakeets make their home in German trees!
An unusual sight indeed, and that in Germany! The mild climate makes it possible that you will see little Parrots/Parakeets sitting on trees in Northern Rhineland. On the Königsallee in Düsseldorf, for example, the “Halsbandsittich” or Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) has now become a part of everyday life. Continue reading A strange sight, Parakeets make their home in German trees!
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Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet, light and fluffy Dumpling
Salzburger Nockerl are light and fluffy, they are delicate vanilla-flavored dumplings, which reminds me of a soufflé. Like so many wonderful Austrian desserts this dish has a long history. The Nockerl were invented in Salzburg in the 17th century. Eating Salzburger Nockerl in Cafe Mozart in the Getreidegasse not far where Mozart was born When preparing the Nockerl batter, the airy mass is arranged on … Continue reading Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet, light and fluffy Dumpling
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Eierpunsch or Eggnog Liqueur Punsch
The creamy Eggnog Liqueur Punsch brings the Christmas market home and is a great alternative to mulled wine. Eggnog Liqueur Punsch in decorative in a beautiful glass bottles that can be a pretty Christmas gift. Eierpunsch is made with eggnog liqueur and white wine or Champagne and would is something not be expected to taste this good Continue reading Eierpunsch or Eggnog Liqueur Punsch
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The Munich Christmas miracle
The people of Munich have their very own Christkindl or Christ child. Every year it is displayed for worship from the first day of Christmas until Epiphany Continue reading The Munich Christmas miracle
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A sweet surprise, first day of Advent until Christmas
Christmas time for us children growing up in Germany was an exciting time. From the 1st December to the 24th, we were allowed to eat Chocolate in the morning, which normally would be a tabu during the year. We woke up early every day in Advent to look forward to open a little door at the Christmas calendar hanging on the wall, and there we discovered a sweet little treasure, surprise inside Continue reading A sweet surprise, first day of Advent until Christmas
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“Weihnachten” from my Childhood
The Advent in Germany is the most magical and festive time. I remember the romantic historical Christkindlmarkets, the garland, lights and glittering Christmas trees, the Glühwein and Lebkuchen that makes a dreary season heart light up. Continue reading “Weihnachten” from my Childhood
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Fancy roasted Brussels Sprouts with sweet Potato
This is a recipe I have prepared a couple years ago, and it was so delicious I felt like I need to write about. Once prepared, it tastes so good, like it was made by a Chef at a fancy restaurant. It doesn’t only look appealing, it is fragrant and delicious. Sweet potatoes are not common in Europe, so I call this dish an American … Continue reading Fancy roasted Brussels Sprouts with sweet Potato
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Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dish
Kaiserschmarrn was created for Kaiser Franz Joseph and Elisabeth (Sissi) in 1854. He always said “geb mir mal den Schmarrn her” so it was named Kaiserschmarrn thereafter Continue reading Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dish
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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
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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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Christmas Goose, a feast for your loved ones
In Germany, young and old look forward to eating the deliciously seasoned goose legs and goose breast or nibbling on a goose wing. Should you also have a Christmas goose on the table for Christmas this year? Serve with red cabbage, Potato puree, Bread dumplings, or Potato dumplings and gravy The Goose has a reputation for being too fatty for some, but with the right preparation they will not … Continue reading Christmas Goose, a feast for your loved ones
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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
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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 meatloaf” Continue reading Leberkäse, a German street food
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Stift Melk and Dürnstein in the Wachau, Austria
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 a Wine region along the Danube, with a mild climate … Continue reading Stift Melk and Dürnstein in the Wachau, Austria
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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
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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
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German Beef Rouladen
A favorite meal I prepare for guests while in the US are Rouladen. It can’t be found in many restaurants there. The best meat for Rouladen is Top Round beef, cut into 1/4 inch thin steaks The classic Beef Rouladen are certainly one of the most popular Sunday and festive meals in Germany. In home-style restaurants, it is a hit on the menu. My family … Continue reading German Beef Rouladen
Bienenstich or Bee sting cake
Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake) consists of two layers of yeast cake with a creamy filling and a crunchy honey-almond topping. The sweetness of the filling and topping is balanced out by the yeast used in the dough Continue reading Bienenstich or Bee sting cake
German Egg Salad with Dill and Pickle
Making your own egg salad is quick and easy, it is on the table in just 40 minutes. My creamy German egg salad recipe is classic with fresh dill and pickles. Whether for Easter or for a barbecue, brunch or buffet, it is suitable for many occasions It’s November and I was surprised to find fresh Dill at an indoor farmers market. I bought two … Continue reading German Egg Salad with Dill and Pickle
Bavarian Leberspätzle (Liver Spaetzle)
If you like Liverwurst, or Liver Dumpling soup, you’d appreciate the Liver Spaetzle, or in German Leberspätzle. Liver Spaetzle are a classic variant of Spaetzle, as they are popular throughout Bavaria and Swabia. They are often used in a hearty Liver Spaetzle soup or fried with onions. The recipe for Liver Spaetzle is easy to make yourself and can be used as the main protagonist … Continue reading Bavarian Leberspätzle (Liver Spaetzle)
Making Pumpkin Spätzle with my new gadget
I don’t know what possessed me today. I just bought a new Spaetzle maker at a warehouse sale, so I wanted to try out a new recipe. Today I’ll make some yummy Pumpkin Spätzle shaped as “Knöpfle” (bottons) This gadget worked really well and can be bought on Amazon: Küchenprofi Spaetzle Lid and Scraper, Stainless-Steel. With this one you make the “Knöpfle Spätzle” I am … Continue reading Making Pumpkin Spätzle with my new gadget
