Di Camillos at the blaue Grotte Pizzeria in Würzburg (per Wikimedia) Sticky post

Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

Germany’s first Pizzeria is said to have opened in Würzburg 70 years ago. In the early days, it was mainly American soldiers who patronized the business. “At that time, no one knew what pizza actually was – including me,” Janina Di Camillo told the Main-Post, a local newspaper. The success story began, when her husband Nicolino in 1952 opened the first Pizza restaurant in Würzburg. … Continue reading Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese Croissants Sticky post

Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese Croissants

Today’s breakfast featured delicious homemade croissants filled with prosciutto and aged Parmesan cheese. The simple dough, made with flour, butter, and Greek yogurt, can be easily prepared. Optional variations include store-bought puff pastry and alternative fillings such as ham or salami, Emmentaler or Gouda cheese, and additional ingredients like peppers and onions. Continue reading Prosciutto and Parmesan Cheese Croissants

German Fleischsalat, meat salad Sticky post

German Fleischsalat (Meat Salad)

When away from Germany, I am craving the creamy meat and pickle salad I usually buy at the local Butcher as soon as I arrive back in my hometown Würzburg. The Fleischsalat consists of only 3 main ingredients, German style Bologna (Fleischwurst), Mayonnaise and Pickles Some of these Bologna’s I am able to buy at at our local Polish store or G-Mart. I have tried … Continue reading German Fleischsalat (Meat Salad)

Palatschinken, sweet Austrian pancake dessert Sticky post

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

Hohenschwangau castle Sticky post

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

Patricia on the Zugspitze Sticky post

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

Pfunds Molkerei in Dresden Sticky post

Pfunds Dairy in Dresden showcases exquisite vibrant tiles

Back in 2010 while visiting the city of Dresden I walked into Pfunds Molkerei. It is a historic dairy shop and known for its beautifully decorated interior. This fancy colorful Dairy features a collection interesting hand-painted tiles. The shop has been in operation since 1880 and is often referred to as the most beautiful Dairy in the world. Visitors can purchase a variety of dairy … Continue reading Pfunds Dairy in Dresden showcases exquisite vibrant tiles

Swabian Krautkrapfen Sticky post

Swabian Krautkrapfen, a stable on the table

Sometimes I get my inspiration while watching a German cooking show “Lecker aufs Land or “Landfrauenküche”. Six women from rural regions of parts of Germany cook for each other. At the end, the ladies rate each other on decorating the table and meals they prepared. These shows are on YouTube in German for anybody likes to watch. This time the show was in Upper Swabia … Continue reading Swabian Krautkrapfen, a stable on the table

Marburg Market Square, Marktplatz Sticky post

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

Halsbandsittich or Rose-Ringed Parakeet  Sticky post

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!

Apfelstrudel with cup of coffee Sticky post

Anneliese’s scrumptious “Apfelstrudel” or Apple Strudel

Whenever in Würzburg I visit my friends, the Schwarzmann girls. The sisters Margarete and Anneliese Schwarzmann and their parents (RIP) have a 100 year history in the hospitality field. They owned the Hotel and Restaurant “Stadt Mainz” in Würzburg where Anneliese has been the chef. Continue reading Anneliese’s scrumptious “Apfelstrudel” or Apple Strudel

Salzburger Nockerl Sticky post

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

Tuebingen Sticky post

Tübingen has a Rainbow Row

After a short stop in Ulm to take some pictures, I continued driving to Tübingen which is a University town in the center of Baden-Württemberg. It is located on the Neckar river, around 30 kilometers south of Stuttgart. Old town landmarks include the Rathaus (City Hall) at the Marktplatz (Market Square) and the castle, Schloß Hohentübingen, now part of the University of Tübingen Continue reading Tübingen has a Rainbow Row

Gugelhupf, Bundt cake, Guglhupf Sticky post

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

Stift Melk, Wachau Austria Sticky post

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

German Ice cream, Spaghetti Eis Sticky post

Spaghetti Eis, and it’s surprising discovery

Most Ice Cafés (Eisdiele) are owned by first generation Italiens. In the afternoons and weekend you see many people sitting outside enjoying the Sun and eating Ice cream. Spaghetti Eis was discovered, not in Italy, but in Mannheim, of course by an Italian The History Dario Fontanella, was 17 when he had this brilliant idea to press the Vanilla ice cream through a Spätzle press. … Continue reading Spaghetti Eis, and it’s surprising discovery

Beef Rouladen, German Rouladen Sticky post

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

Greek Yoghurt peach muffins

Moist and tender Greek Yoghurt Peach Muffins

Greek Yogurt Peach Muffins have a moist and tender texture with a slight tanginess. I used Greek Yoghurt as a substitute instead of the German Quark. The addition of diced peaches adds a juicy burst of flavor and sweetness to the muffins. The muffins are soft and fluffy, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of the moist crumb … Continue reading Moist and tender Greek Yoghurt Peach Muffins

Limoncello, Italy

Homemade Limoncello

I sometimes enjoy a summery drink named Limoncello, found usually in Italy, straight from the fridge and on ice. When filled into pretty bottles with decorative labels, homemade limoncello is a great gift from my kitchen. This is how homemade Limoncello becomes particularly good:For the summer liqueur, we first dissolve the essential oils from the lemon peel with the help of high-proof alcohol. We then … Continue reading Homemade Limoncello

Saint Valentine is healing a men. DR. Frantisek Ehrmann, 1899 (per Wikimedia)

Valentines Day, the Founder and it’s Origin

The 14th of February (Valentines Day) is considered the day of love and lovers in Germany and other countries. But why is that? You can read all about the meaning of Valentine’s Day, its history and customs here Every year on February 14 is Valentine’s Day. In Germany, and many other countries around the world, this date is used to give flowers and chocolates, to … Continue reading Valentines Day, the Founder and it’s Origin

German meatloaf Falscher Hase

“Falscher Hase” German Meatloaf

“Falscher Hase” or in German False Hare, refers to a meatloaf with boiled eggs placed inside. Depending on the regional origin, the minced meat mass might be seasoned differently. The ingredients can include for example, onions, bacon cubes or Mediterranean spices such as rosemary, and garlic. Tip: If you like Greek food, you can also try my recipe using sheep’s cheese instead of eggs. Different … Continue reading “Falscher Hase” German Meatloaf

Chicken Marsala on plate

Chicken Marsala, an Italian-American dish

Today I was pondering what to cook with my leftover chicken I bought the day before at Costco. I have eating Chicken Marsala at several Italian restaurants in America, and it’s one of my favorites. I was curious, why I have never seen this dish on an Italian menu while there Marsala Cooking Wine can be bought HERE on Amazon While doing my research about … Continue reading Chicken Marsala, an Italian-American dish