Archive for the ‘Europe’ Category

  • Sinterklaas, chocolate letters, speculaas and pepernoten – Belgium & The Netherlands

    Friday, December 4th, 2009

    Sinterklaas,  also known as Sint Nicolaas, is an important holiday figure in the Netherlands, Aruba, Suriname, Netherlands Antilles and Belgium. This holiday is celebrated in the Netherlands on the evening of December 5 and in Belgium on the morning of December 6. The feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of, among [...]

  • Stollen, Glühwein and Lebkuchen – Germany

    Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

    Besides some of the wellknow goodies served during Christmas in Germany, such as Stollen, Glühwein and Lebkuchen, it appears that many Christmas traditions originated in Germany. 
    Stollen is a type of ‘fruit’ bread that was originally called Christstollen because it symbolized a swaddled baby Jesus. Since the 13th century it has evolved into a lighter type [...]

  • Sea Urchins – A Seafood Delicacy

    Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

    Holiday meal traditions vary widely from one country to the next. This morning I came across a post that reminded me of this fact as well as the incredible variety of food found in the sea.
    Sea urchins are featured in French cuisine particularly during the Holidays although they are consumed in all countries along the [...]

  • Red beet salad (Dutch)

    Saturday, September 26th, 2009

    This is going to sound weird, but I never knew there was a red beet salad recipe, until several years ago when Wilma put together this salad at my house. Before that I only knew how to use it

    in Huzaren Salade and
    as pickles to enhance a meal.

    I was pleasantly surprised about how refreshing it was and have to admit that I really enjoyed the salad. At [...]

  • Culinary adventure in Holland (part 3 of 3)

    Monday, August 10th, 2009

    Somewhat of a delay in posting the final part of my culinary adventures, but blame that on technology.  After finishing the article, complete with picture gallery, I clicked the Submit button and …. oh no!! My entire article disappeared to Lalaland! Needless to say I felt very much like crying (after cursing a bit), but I [...]

  • Culinary adventure in Holland (part 2 of 3)

    Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

    The Wedding week in Den Haag.
    Throughout the week we had home cooked meals prepared by Mom or me. Curry fish, eggplant or bitter melon with shrimp or cured beef, pom. One day I cooked spaghetti and on another day, chicken in soy sauce with rice and cauliflower. Nothing fancy since we were doing finishing touches [...]

  • Culinary adventures in Holland (part 1 of 3)

    Saturday, July 25th, 2009

    Honey I’m baaack!!
    It’s been weeks since my last entry, but for a good reason!
    At the end of May I went to Holland for my sister’s wedding, taking some time to visit friends and family as well. Whenever we go see family, it’s ripping and running (as much as jetlag allows) and there is not much [...]

  • Food in Portugal

    Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

    I love Portugal! Maybe it’s because of my roots. My greatgrandfather was born at Madeira which is a Portuguese island. I’ve already been to Madeira a few years ago and it’s a lovely island. This time my husband and I went to Portugal to celebrate our honeymoon.

    Portugal is a beautiful country, especially the west coast, with [...]

  • Huzarensalade (Dutch)

    Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

    This is one of my all time favorites: Huzarensalade, a delicious (pink) potato salad that could be served as a meal salad or as an appetizer.
    So where did the name come from?
    The Huzaren were Hungarian riders of origin, fighting for the Imperial Austrian armies against the Turks. Huzaren were especially useful to explore hostile [...]