German egg salad with dill and pickle

Authentic German Egg Salad with Dill

A Taste of Tradition: German Egg Salad with Fresh Dill There’s something joyful about discovering fresh herbs during the colder months—particularly in November when an indoor farmers market presents you with aromatic bunches of dill. I couldn’t help but take two home, stashing one in the freezer for wintertime soups and stews, while allowing the other to inspire a traditional comfort: German Egg Salad. This … Continue reading Authentic German Egg Salad with Dill

Liver Spaetzle soup, Leberspätzlesuppe

Bavarian Leberspätzle (Liver Spaetzle)

If you enjoy Liverwurst or Liver Dumpling soup, you’ll likely love Liver Spaetzle, known in German as Leberspätzle. This dish is a traditional variation of Spaetzle and is commonly found in Bavaria and Swabia. It is frequently featured in a robust Liver Spaetzle soup or sautéed with onions The recipe for Liver Spaetzle is straightforward to prepare at home and can play a central role … Continue reading Bavarian Leberspätzle (Liver Spaetzle)

Palatschinken, sweet Austrian pancake dessert

Palatschinken, a sweet Austrian Pancake Dessert

Palatschinken are Austria’s answer to Crêpes—thin, delicate pancakes that are slightly thicker than French Crêpes but thinner than American pancakes. They’re traditionally served rolled up like jelly rolls, filled with sweet or savory fillings, and dusted with powdered sugar. Last October, I spent some time at a B&B in Austria close to Salzburg. The charming Alpine-style house reminded me of my favorite TV series, “Der … Continue reading Palatschinken, a sweet Austrian Pancake Dessert

Pumpkin Spätzle

Delicious Pumpkin Spätzle Recipe for Autumn

I don’t know what possessed me today. Maybe it was the crisp Autumn air, maybe the golden leaves swirling outside—or maybe it was the shiny new Spätzle maker I picked up at a warehouse sale. Whatever it was, I found myself in the kitchen, apron on, ready to try something new: Pumpkin Spätzle, shaped as Knöpfle—those charming little buttons made of dough that are as … Continue reading Delicious Pumpkin Spätzle Recipe for Autumn

Hohenschwangau castle

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. Nestled in the shadow of its famous neighbor Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle quietly reigns with its own regal charm. Our … Continue reading King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau

Historic half-timbered homes in Idstein

Idstein’s Historic Charm

While staying at a cozy hotel just west of Frankfurt, I found myself flipping through a stack of brochures at the reception desk one quiet morning. One in particular caught my eye—it featured a picturesque town called Idstein, nestled in the rolling hills of Hesse. Idstein is part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (Timber-Frame Road), connecting towns with fine Fachwerk buildings and houses. The brochure promised a beautifully preserved Altstadt, … Continue reading Idstein’s Historic Charm

Angie on the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain

To the Zugspitze with my daughter

During the first week of October 2023, my daughter Patricia and I spent five beautiful days in Oberammergau, nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. The air was crisp, the leaves just beginning to turn, and the mountains wrapped us in their timeless embrace. On one particularly warm Saturday, with skies so blue they looked painted, I decided to try once more to reach … Continue reading To the Zugspitze with my daughter

Viehscheid, bringing the cows down to the valley

Almabtrieb: A Celebration of Alpine Traditions

The Almabtrieb is a picturesque and culturally rich tradition in the Alpine regions of southern Europe. Think of Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and northern Italy. It’s not just a cattle drive; it’s a celebration of rural life, seasonal rhythms, and community spirit. It refers to a cattle drive. This event brings the cow herd down from the mountain pastures every end of September. I was … Continue reading Almabtrieb: A Celebration of Alpine Traditions