Archive for the ‘Europe’ Category
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Dutch sugar cookies: Zandkoekjes
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
I guess we call them “zandkoekjes“, because they’re crispy and crunchy like sand. The American version tends to be a softer cookie, but I like crispy cookies better and everyone I served the “zandkoekjes” absolutely LOVED them. It’s December, the busiest holiday season of the year and I thought it would be nice to do a series of [...]
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Asparagus wrapped in bacon
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
This is a simple recipe to dress up asparagus with bacon and a drizzle of garlic butter to complement your steak or grilled chicken dinner with a festive look. It is a favorite in my family and works as well with green beans (haricot vert). Bacon gives the vegetables a smoky flavor and garlic just [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
