Heidelberg Sticky post

The most charming, historic Towns in Germany

I have lived half of my life in Germany and traveled extensively the last 20 years. I had someone ask me the other day, which town in Germany has the most “Old Town feel”. Usually when I get asked, people refer to the historic town centers that have retained much of their medieval charm, which entails cobble stone streets, half timbered homes (Fachwerk) and historical … Continue reading The most charming, historic Towns in Germany

Maibaum, Maypole

The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)

Several years ago I was fortunate to witness the spectacle of raising the Maibaum or Maypole on the most beautiful public square. The Maibaum in Bad Reichenhall at the Florianiplatz is a tradition since the 16th century. The custom symbolizes fertility, the end of the cold season and the beginning of Spring. A town festival with traditional folk dances and a band playing followed. There … Continue reading The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)

Kloster Andechs or Andechs Abbey Sticky post

Andechs Abbey, a religious pilgrimage site

On one of my travels driving south of Munich, I stopped by Kloster Andechs, an Abbey near the Ammersee lake. The Andechs Abbey has been an important place of religious pilgrimage since the 10th century.  From afar I saw the Zwiebelturm or onion dome of the Andechs pilgrimage church above the Ammersee. The rococo jewel is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Elisabeth … Continue reading Andechs Abbey, a religious pilgrimage site

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

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