For Christmas, light Coconut Macaroons are always common in each Middle European house. 📕 What are Macaroons? In German they are better known as Kokosbusserl and I can tell you, there are many variations. These cream/white shaded cookies are very simple to recreate and I guess, that and the taste are the reason for its popularity. Now you might be … [Read more...]
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Easy Christmas Meringue Cookies
So I am back to the Christmas cookie season with this post. This time I decided to share with you a simple, 2 ingredients, basic cookie type known as Meringue, which is quite common in Europe over the merry festivity period. Meringues are sometimes even known as Baiser or in German even as Windbäckerei. They appear in different shapes such as drops and circles and … [Read more...]
Dutch Oven Beef Goulash Recipe
Slow-simmered beef cubes are cooked tender soft in a velvety, rich paprika-based sauce. Bring the timeless Central European classic beef goulash to your dinner table. TL;DR We traditionally prepare beef goulash in Austria, where it is known as Rindergulasch or Rindsgulasch. This is my take on the creamy version of a classic beef goulash. Unlike the hearty … [Read more...]
French Onion Soup Recipe
I bet all of you have had an opportunity to indulge in an onion soup. But have you ever had the chance to enjoy a French Onion soup? This is the queen of all onion soups. What makes it so special is the use of simple common ingredients such as a good stock and flour to give it thickness. Another main ingredient, that simply can't be overlooked, is the choice of … [Read more...]
Esterhazy Torte
We grew up with french pastries and Desserts at home all the time. My mother had some knowledge of Austrian cakes and cooking and would present us some of her creations every once in a while. However our food at home was a 90% French. I had studied Hotel management in college and learned THE Austrian/ Middle European food. This of course leased my … [Read more...]
Goan Sauteed Ridge Gourd Recipe
Luffa is a funny name for a Vegetable that is just so tasty! When I hear the word Luffa, I think of soap and a hot bath. In fact, my thinking isn't that wrong because this particular vegetable isn't just a wonderful food item but at the same time a very popular natural sponge since the beginning of time. However, the Luffa vegetables here in Goa/India are actually … [Read more...]
Schwarzsee - Kitzbühel surrounding - Tirol, Austria
Schwarzsee, also known as the Black Lake translated, is a serene spot in the midst of the Alps next to the luxurious alpine city, Kitzbühel. My parents and I had taken a relaxed Sunday off and went for a little walk nearby. We chose to take a stroll around Kitzbühel (Tirolean Alps, Austria). Kitzbühel is famous for its numerous ruff sports competitions, such as … [Read more...]
Spinach Parmesan Frittata with Shrimp Recipe
Sometimes I feel I should come back to the staple food reality, even though the exotic food world is ever so tempting and exciting! The past days I have been working and testing a wild leave bhaji type, commonly cooked in Hindu houses in the rains in Goa. However it will take some time till I am ready to share it with you all since I am looking for some … [Read more...]
Mirabelle Plum Tart Recipe
The Mirabelle Plum is a delicate fruit, commonly grown in France. This is a Mirabelle tart with almond flour and a homemade shortcrust pastry. When I take a bite of our homemade Mirabelle Tart, it is as though I end up in another world. Drifting away with its taste and aroma. Well, in fact it's not just any tart, it is a complete inspirational … [Read more...]
Spiced Yardlong Beans Recipe
In India, or at least in Goa, bhaji means Vegetable. When you go to a local restaurant, which serves up simple food, you can ask for a bhaji. For example, potato bhaji, beans bhaji and so on are readily available on the menu. Those food places which serve up tasty bhaji are quite popular with their Vegetarians. You will not just see locals, but even foreigners … [Read more...]
Herb Infused Vinegar DIY
Who knew that making homemade herbal vinegar dressing was that easy. You'd be surprised too by the lovely flavors and intensity of the fresh herbs infused for a lovely herbal vinegar. Learn how to make this DIY herbal vinegar step by step. Furthermore, learn about the herbs used in this recipe and their health benefits further below. A punch of sweet … [Read more...]
Austrian Farmer's Open-Door Day
Austria might be a small country, barely remembered and known by the world in the middle of the European continent, but this friendly little country has a remarkable tradition with friendly inhabiting people. Traveling the world, I was asked several times for my country of origin and whenever I tried to explain that I grew up in Austria, the first thing I was told was "AHA, … [Read more...]
Detox Herbal Tea
Some time back I had introduced you to a creative home made Dandelion flower jelly, and back then I had promised to share a few other healthy culinary uses for the plant. Before the Austrian alps were commercialized, folks of the mountains had ways and secrete family recipes to their disposition. The chosen ingredients were commonly available products, such as wild … [Read more...]
Egg Liqueur Cake
We Europeans love Egg liqueur! It's an omnipresent treat at family meeting, feasts and the such. It is served and used simply as a digestive drink after a meal or as an improve in desserts such as ice cream or even cake dishes. The creamy yellow goodness is a smooth, egg-based alcohol type, which can be easily reconstructed in your own home kitchen. … [Read more...]
Bavarian Sauerkraut and Sausage Recipe
A traditional Bavarian Sauerkraut with Sausage recipe. It's an effortless one-pot meal which you can prepare with either homemade or store-bought Sauerkraut. This Sauerkraut recipe is as per Bavarian and Austrian customs (we share a culture), and if you have traveled to the area, this is the recipe you are looking for. What is Sauerkraut and Sausage? Sauerkraut is … [Read more...]
Zunna Berry (chunna) - Ziziphus Rugosa
We love berries don't we? The best part is to collect them in the wild and either take them home or even better to indulge them here and there in the forest/jungle. We don't feel like it is a waste of time! It's an urge, like a desire deep from our subconscious selves, telling us “Come on, it is fun and tasty at the same time!”. Granted, I for once don't … [Read more...]
Tindora Salad with Coconut Vinegar Dressing
This Ivy Gourd salad was created by me after falling madly in love with the ivy gourd fruit/vegetable. As you may remember, I had posted last month a Veg Goan tendli bhaji recipe, where I explained all the uses of this delicious fruit/vegetable. By the way, I am intending to take seeds back to Europe, so I'll be able to report its growth here online. It would be … [Read more...]
Green Mango Pickle
Its the Mango season, the time when you indulge the fruity gems in masses, the time when you end up eating only fresh mangoes the whole day and the time when you have to be aware that some of your house tiles might get jammed by falling fruits. What would we do without the juicy, refreshing goodness? It is unimaginable, so deeply rooted and needed are the mangoes. … [Read more...]
Cold Tomato Orange Soup with Buffalo Mozzarella
A cold tomato orange soup prepared with fresh peeled tomatoes, orange juice and enriched with chunks of soft buffalo mozzarella and basil leaves. 📕 What is this soup? A simple, flavorful cold summer soup to beat the heat. This soup is like a Spanish cold gazpacho soup. It's served cooled. This soup doesn't require cooking it, it can be prepared within 20 … [Read more...]
Blanquette de veau a l'ancienne
The other day my husband bought some excellent veal belly which he found in a corner at market. Usually, these kinds of meats are uncommon or asking for their prices. I have to confess I wouldn't know where to buy veal or other meats such as lamb, buffalo, or even deer. The later meat will not be available. Game meats such as deer boar, tortoise, and … [Read more...]
Rare Indian Berries
I am looking and searching and reading and going crazy with the thought that I won't find the name or any other information about some of the tastiest culinary berries out there. Those berries are nearly forgotten in between Goas hills, known only by the former generations and the poorer populations of the villages. It is frustrating to watch a fruit disappear in front … [Read more...]
Ficelle Picarde Recipe - Savory stuffed Crêpes
The Ficelle Picard is a savory rolled and stuffed crêpes from the Picardy region in Northern France. 📕 What is it? A creamy luscious savory crêpes recipe called crêpes ficellle Picarde. This recipe was originally developed in the 50s in Amiens (Picardie, North of France) by a cook named Marcel Lefèvre. To date, it has been a hit in the region and … [Read more...]
Java Plum Juice
Finally, I am feeling a bit better after that vicious food poisoning attack last weekend. My husband did eat the same dish as I, but he was barely effected, luckily! Definitely I am not looking forward to weakening my body again, no Idea why I thought that I could eat prawns in the summer heat. My taste buds were crying for some seafood flavors, for a change of … [Read more...]
Tropical Mix Fruit Jam
By the end of last week, I had my bomb of fresh Fruit Salads with curds, and I am excited to announce that I got used to the heat. Some days ago it rained a bit early morning and since that it's even hotter, (38 Celsius and I guess the humidity is easily over 80%). My husband is still in the fruit salad craze because he can't get used to the validity. … [Read more...]
Tindora Fry Recipe
This is a quick Goan Indian tindora fry recipe, also called ivy gourd or tendli (in Goa). Serve it up as a side dish with curry and rice. 📕 What's the Tindora? Meet one of my favorite fruits used for savory dishes, the Tindora. If the name isn't familiar in English, maybe you know it better as ivy gourd, baby watermelon, gentleman's toes, little … [Read more...]
Air Potato - Karaino
Some time back I had posted a picture on Twitter of a dark brown "root". My question was, what this unusual edible plant was called in any language, the feedback as expected was that nobody knew or ever had seen this funny looking "vegetable" before. The joke was that I had asked previously my family members and neighbors in Goa if they knew it. Well, they … [Read more...]
Strawberry Dumplings
We Austrians life for our Knödel. Seriously we wouldn't be able to think those round dumplings away from our lives, simply because they are so versatile and because we enjoy them savoury and even sweet. There are so many versions, you would be surprised! I am aware that many people out there in the world don’t even know the existence of Knödel, our floury middle … [Read more...]
Goan Choriz Sausage
Some years back when our restaurant used to be open in the monsoon, we had one young couple which would come every day, and they would sit there for hours speaking with each other. They were Russians and they didn't know much English. The first time they sat in our place they got attracted by the word “sausage” in the choriz sausage bread and so ordered it. The … [Read more...]
Basilico Italian Restaurant - Anjuna Goa
Sadly Basilico closed down in 2021. I'm keeping this up in memory of all the good times that we had there. Thank you, Susanna and Selwyn! Susanna shared her Passatelli recipe lately. So maybe we can have a tiny bit of Basilico at home. You know the days when you crave for authentic Italian food, the anti Pasti surprises, the delightful thin crust pizzas, the satisfying … [Read more...]
Wheatgrass Shots with Fresh Wheatgrass
You can make a fresh wheatgrass shot at home from scratch. Here is how it's done! You love sprouts? Here is a guide to sprout mung beans. What is a Wheatgrass Shot? A wheatgrass shot is made by processing wheatgrass that grows from seeds into a concentrated punch. Wheatgrass, sometimes spelled wheat grass, is the young green grass that grows out of your wheat. … [Read more...]
Marzipan Candy with Honey Recipe
A natural marzipan candy with honey and whole almonds. Instead of using peeled almonds, as it is usually done, I use whole almonds for this honey and rose water flavored marzipan. These can be shaped in various ways. I like my marzipan candies shaped into balls because they are easier to handle that way. This sweet homemade almond paste is one of my … [Read more...]
Fresh Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea is a simple yet refreshing blend of green tea and fresh mint leaves, lightly sweetened for a perfect balance. It’s a fragrant and flavorful tea that’s perfect for unwinding or sharing with friends. TL;DR We have long been enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Moroccan mint tea at home, and our love for this herbal brew only increased over the … [Read more...]
Spirulina Smoothie Recipe with Banana
Green Spirulina smoothie is prepared with a powder of dried spirulina algae. Spirulina is a super food and tastes a bit like bubble gum but it's green. I combine Spirulina with Banana because, well, that's what people used to request for the most when I used to prepare Spirulina Smoothies in our former Café. Spirulina is for you if you love to try new things, and … [Read more...]
Indian Spiced Stuffed Eggplant
Occasionally I just don't know what to do with my Vegetables at home. I like vegetables but not in masses and I mostly enjoy them in combination with any meat and some carbs such as bread. As a kid, I had a lot of Veggies and already back then I was never much a fan of them and neither my stomach, who gets very unsatisfied at the prospect of Vegetables. It's so … [Read more...]
Coconut
I have always been obsessed about coconut. It might be the taste of the white flesh, the unique coconut water or the fact that u have to crack it open so that you can get to the treasure inside. It was so special because coconut is a fruit which was rarely sold before in Europe. Surely you would come across some scraped dry coconut in a plastic packet but you would … [Read more...]
Beef Dumplings (Bratknödel)
Some months ago I had posted a dish called Pressknödel. Knödel are dumplings and there are many different variations, from savory to sweet, from round to flat. Sometimes you enjoy them with a soup or sometimes they fit better with a salad. Today I thought of a savory bread Knödel version to share with my readers called Bratknödel. Knödel are so-called … [Read more...]
Apple Beet Carrot Juice (ABC Juice)
Beet Carrot Apple Juice is one of my favorite juice combinations out there. I came across this wonderful fresh “ABC” juice in my travels to India, where it is often served. TL;DR I came across the ABC juice in Goa, India. Back in the 2000s, popular juice bars would freshly prepare this juice combination, and it was already a hit back then. Paul and his family got … [Read more...]
Indian Masala Chai Recipe
The Indian Masala Chai is prepared with spices, milk, and tea leaves. I show you how to make your own spiced milk tea with my real Indian chai recipe from scratch. Furthermore, you can choose to prepare your Indian tea with whole spices or with a spice blend. What warms you up when cold winds and weather threaten your comfort? A good cup of hot tea. In Europe, … [Read more...]
Onion Pakora
I had mentioned in my previous posts, sweet lassie day and warm ginger lemon honey tea, how I had landed in India and how I managed to keep myself over the water level. If you want to see India by backpack traveling the country, you have to know as a foreigner that eventually, you'll get stomach sick. Once you had your tummy ache you are free of future food … [Read more...]
Soji Semolina Recipe
Soji or Sooji/Suji is a stir-fried semolina dessert in Goa, India. Semolina wheat is known as Rawa, so the term Rawa Soji is more common. Some places in India call this a Halwa. I am constantly looking for quick, tasty recipes. Life around us is always a buzz, time scares, precious, and we try to do the maximum in a day. My plan for today's day, was to … [Read more...]