For Western cultures, particularly in Western Christian Churches, January 6th is often a celebratory day. It’s known as Epiphany, among other names, and has many different meanings. It can also denote the last day of Christmas as the 12th day. For many countries, families and friends take part in eating the well-known “King Cake” toContinue reading “Spanish King Cake: A Fruit Topped Sweet Bread with Surprise!”
Category Archives: Traditional Foods in Europe
Greek New Year’s Cake: Rich & Buttery with a Hidden Treasure
New Year’s Day is probably the only day of the year that every country and culture celebrates. Granted, some countries and cultures use a different calendar. Regardless of the actual day, there are so many different traditions for bringing in the New Year. In fact, even in the same country, people celebrate in different ways.Continue reading “Greek New Year’s Cake: Rich & Buttery with a Hidden Treasure”
French Spice Bread: A Happy Blend of Gingerbread & Spice Cake
The French Pain d’Épices is a yeast-free, dense, quick bread that is reminiscent of both gingerbread and spice cake. The words “pain d’épices” are French for “spice bread”, literally translated as, “bread of spices”. What make it unique are the additions of dark rye flour and one cup of honey. My version includes chopped candiedContinue reading “French Spice Bread: A Happy Blend of Gingerbread & Spice Cake”
Authentic Austrian Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) with an Autumn Twist
Guten tag! For many Americans, the country of Austria is synonymous with the Hollywood creation of the “Sound of Music”. While the movie is one of our favorite things, it’s definitely NOT one of Austria’s. In general, Austrians have a love/hate relationship with this American movie. For them, it’s sort of cheesy and historically inaccurate.Continue reading “Authentic Austrian Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) with an Autumn Twist”
Babka: Spiced Sweet Potato Swirls, Streusel Topping, & Simple Syrup
Babkas are an incredibly popular rolled up, filled, sweet or savory bread enjoyed in many countries around the world. They have many variations including the British Chelsea buns and the American cinnamon roll. All are just rolled up enriched dough filled with yummy goodness! Cinnamon and sugar are the most common version. But how aboutContinue reading “Babka: Spiced Sweet Potato Swirls, Streusel Topping, & Simple Syrup”
How to Make Gluten-Free Italian Ladyfingers
Buongiorno! Trifle desserts like the Italian Tiramisu are such dessert favorites around the world. Unfortunately, not all of us can enjoy those light, airy, sweet cookies that are traditional in those desserts. Whether you are a gluten-free eater or not, these homemade gluten-free ladyfingers will hit the spot! They really are a great snack andContinue reading “How to Make Gluten-Free Italian Ladyfingers”
How to Make Italian Ladyfingers: Superb Sponge for ANY Dessert Trifle!
In my quest for baking traditional dishes from around the world, I’ve always been intrigued with the baked portion of a Tiramisu… the ladyfingers. Tiramisu is not a baked dish unless you make your own ladyfingers. A good traditional ladyfinger recipe in your repertoire is good to have. These light and airy cookies would makeContinue reading “How to Make Italian Ladyfingers: Superb Sponge for ANY Dessert Trifle!”
Unique Italian Tiramisu with a Twist: Tempting Strawberries & Chocolate
Buongiorno! It’s near the end of the workday and you’re exhausted! If only you had a little pick-me-up to get you through. Well, grazie agli italiani, our droopy-eyed afternoons are over. Tiramisu just might be the pick-me-up you need! Consider this… strawberry soaked, light, and airy sweet cookies covered with a Mascarpone egg custard andContinue reading “Unique Italian Tiramisu with a Twist: Tempting Strawberries & Chocolate”
Authentic French Macarons 3 Ways: Simple, Elegant, & Indulgent
France is a country with many iconic symbols. We all recognize la Tour Eiffel, l’Arc de Triomphe, et les Champs-Elysees. For us francophiles, we appreciate la Marianne (the personification of France), and le Coq (the courageous and combative sport rooster). And who doesn’t know about les baguettes et les croissants! In the early 20th century,Continue reading “Authentic French Macarons 3 Ways: Simple, Elegant, & Indulgent”
How to Make Traditional 4-Ingredient French Baguettes
July is a month for celebrating! Even the Hallmark Channel shows Christmas movies in July… “Christmas in July”! Is that a thing? While Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the French celebrate their independence on July 14th. Many people from around the world flock to France during July, thanks to the Tour de France.Continue reading “How to Make Traditional 4-Ingredient French Baguettes”