Mince pies have occupied a prominent place on Britain's holiday table for centuries and that tradition continues today. During the near 7 years that I lived in England I witnessed the mince pies being stocked in every store and served in nearly every home as soon as the … Continue reading →
Authentic Traditional Mincemeat
Few people today know the taste of true, authentic mincemeat, a dish dating back to the 11th century. And that explains why very few people I know actually truly enjoy mincemeat versus simply eating it out of tradition (or being forced to so as not to offend Grandma!). … Continue reading →
Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
Popular throughout Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, these cookies are a popular favorite, especially at Christmastime, though enjoyed year-round and found in virtually every Viennese coffee house.Growing up in Germany, we made these … Continue reading →
Risalamande (Danish Almond Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce)
Risengrød, or rice pudding, has been a beloved dish in Denmark for centuries, a dish enjoyed by rich and poor alike. But in the 1800's, as was the case in most of Europe, there came a point when the upper-crusted bourgeoisie wanted to further distinguish themselves from the … Continue reading →
Mandelhörnchen (Chocolate-Dipped Marzipan Almond Horns)
Marzipan lovers, here's another one you've got to try!Mandelhörnchen, German for almond horns, are a naturally gluten-free sweet treat made out of marzipan, almond meal and sugar, then rolled in almond flakes and the two ends dipped in chocolate. Popular throughout … Continue reading →
Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch)
There is something magical about German Christmas markets: The colors, the lights, the sounds, the displays, the huge selection of hand-crafted goods, delicious foods, and intoxicating aromas.Time seems to stand still in this setting and you can easily lose yourself for … Continue reading →
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Bacon & Balsamic Reduction
Few dishes spark more intense feelings at the Thanksgiving and Christmas table than Brussels sprouts. A close runner up is probably sweet potato casserole - you know, the stuff with the brown sugar and marshmallows on top? I've always hated that stuff. But my parents and … Continue reading →
Best Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
I've been cutting back on our family's gluten intake the past few months and so have been experimenting with more gluten free baking. During the Christmas season it's always a tradition to make and decorate gingerbread cookies with our kids and I went for a gluten free … Continue reading →
BEST Classic Cranberry Sauce
The holidays simple aren't complete without cranberry sauce - every dining table needs a bowl of it. Right?If you're like me I know what you're thinking: "Eww, cranberry sauce. That jelly-like gelatinous stuff that makes an unpleasant suction sound as it oozes its way … Continue reading →
Authentic Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)
It's that time of year to roll up your sleeves and get ready to fill your kitchen and home with the aroma of Christmas baking!The smell of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, fennel seed and star anise are what remind me most of Christmas because they are the smells, along with … Continue reading →
Black Olive & Fig Tapenade with Roquefort
A special thank you to Lindsay® for sponsoring this post. Today's dish features one of the most influential foods in the world's history - olives - and takes us to the Provence region of southern France. Olives were first introduced to Marseilles by the Phoenicians 2500 … Continue reading →
Salmon with Cranberry Ginger Mustard Sauce + Sous Vide & Slow Cooker Giveaway!
I've teamed up with Hamilton Beach to bring you this delicious post!Last week I found an incredible deal on fresh cranberries at a roadside produce stand: 2-pound bags for $2. Our family are all avid smoothie drinkers and being the berry-maniacs we are, I grabbed 15 … Continue reading →
Cranberry Ginger Mustard Sauce
Cranberry sauce. Whether you love it or hate it, Thanksgiving and Christmas simply aren't the same without it.As a kid and teenager I used to avoid the stuff. You know, that thick gelatinous stuff that retains the shape of the can after it's unceremoniously dumped onto … Continue reading →
Bacon, Blue Cheese and Cranberry Cheese Ball with Pecans
Thank you to Food Should Taste Good for sponsoring this post!The cheese ball needs to make a comeback.But not as a repetition of history.No, the cheese balls of yesteryear deservedly earned a bad rap. You know the ones: A mass of sticky artificial orange … Continue reading →
Authentic Nürnberger Elisenlebkuchen (German Lebkuchen)
Lebkuchen go all the way back to 14th century Germany where they were created by Catholic monks. Prepared in monastery bakeries, Lebkuchen included honey, a variety of spices and nuts. These ingredients not only had symbolic religious meaning but were highly prized for … Continue reading →
White Chocolate Cranberry & Pistachio Ice Cream
I've teamed up with Cuisinart to bring you this post.My husband and I were destined to love ice cream.We both come from a family of ice cream lovers. Coincidentally, it was both sets of our grandfathers who were especially passionate about ice cream. Among other … Continue reading →
Sweet Potato Sour Cream Pie
Sweet potato or pumpkin pie? That's an ongoing debate and probably one you'll never see resolved. Many say they taste almost identical while others swear they taste nothing like each other. More than anything, the debate is probably rooted more in culture and upbringing - … Continue reading →
German Nussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons)
Another traditional German cookie enjoyed particularly during the Christmas season. These Hazelnut Macaroons have a fabulous texture with a very delicately crisp exterior and a delightfully chewy interior. Using just three ingredients, they're super easy and quick to make. … Continue reading →
Heidesand (Traditional German Browned Butter Shortbread Cookies)
A traditional German Christmas treat, Heidesand are delicious shortbread cookies that are made with browned butter. A personal favorite, we made these every Christmas growing up along with several other German holiday classics, a few of which I'll be posting, so stay … Continue reading →
How To Make a “Gourmet” Homemade Christmas Wreath & Simple Advent Wreath
I figured as long as I get the word "gourmet" in there, it's suitable for a food blog, right?I don't spend a lot of time making crafts. I like to devote what little free time I have to my other hobbies (eg, cooking, photography, singing, playing my sax or piano), but … Continue reading →
Perfectly Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
One of the cardinal rules of good potato au gratin is it cannot be dry. The cheesy cream sauce needs to ooze out. Not "run" out all over the plate in a big wet mess, but just slowly oooooze out. Here is the classic Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin at its best. … Continue reading →
Creamy Mashed Parsnips & Potatoes with Horseradish
Here is a delicious alternative to your standard mashed potatoes. Creamy with the sweet flavor of parsnip and the spiciness of horseradish. A lovely side dish! … Continue reading →
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies. There's a reason why these have been a Christmas tradition for eons. They're so much fun to make! … Continue reading →
White Chocolate Cranberry/Cherry Pistachio Cookies
The three traditional Christmas colors wrapped into a delicious cookie! These buttery cookies feature white chocolate, sweet-tart cranberries, and slightly salty pistachio nuts. The flavors work together beautifully to bring you a delightful holiday treat that is a … Continue reading →
Chocolate Peppermint Meringues
An elegant and delicious treat to enjoy during the Christmas season. Alternatively, use natural green food coloring and dip the chocolate in crushed green candy canes. These beautiful and yummy meringues are guaranteed to impress your family and friends! … Continue reading →
Cranberry (or Cherry) Almond Streusel Cake
Cranberries, another highly nutritious "superfruit", are nestled in this moist butter and sour cream-based streusel cake along with ground almonds and a hint of orange. This cake was no sooner placed on the cake platter than it was stampeded by the clatter of eager forks … Continue reading →
Mint Chocolate Meringues
An elegant and delicious treat to enjoy for your choice of holiday themes: Christmas or St. Patrick's Day! … Continue reading →
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