Savvy Sightseer - tips and insights for seasoned travelers!
Great News!
This page led me to two new ventures - writing two illustrated cookbooks and offering a Food Tasting travelogue!
Check the Programs tab for dates and locations for a Foods to travel by program near you.
These books are a cross between a coffee table book and a recipe guide. For each country, there's a discussion about its types of cuisine, recipes, cooking hints and tips, and even foodie fun facts - all accompanied by stunning scenic shots as well as pictures of finished dishes. Most recipes in the first book (yellow cover) are scaled to single-serving size, but could easily be multiplied. Take a culinary vacation to Italy, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Germany and England with these traditionally-based starters, sides, entrees and desserts. Pairing suggestions are also provided!
Order yours today! For the paperback ($12 + S&H) or Kindle version ($6),
click book cover pictures to order from Amazon.
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Just released!
Sweet Selections
Whenever possible, I like to bring home edible souvenirs from the countries I visit. Then I can reminisce while I munch!
My recipes are single-serving size, but ingredient portions can easily be multiplied for additional servings. Sometimes I double them so I can have leftovers!
Italy - The Cinque Terre region is renown for its local pesto, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and wines. From Monterosso, I brought home a little of each. I made a spectacular Pesto Shrimp Pasta dinner in just minutes that instantly transported me to the little fishing village on the coast. Click the picture for my recipe, and enjoy a little taste of Italy for yourself!
Amsterdam - There's no end to the variety of types of Gouda and Edam cheeses in the Netherlands. I chose a plain Gouda for lip-smackingly good Gouda and Broccoli Soup, good to warm you from the inside out as you daydream about Amsterdam. Click the picture for my recipe, and enjoy a sampling of this Dutch delight!
Switzerland - Traditionally a farmer's breakfast dish, Rösti is great just about any time! It makes a nice side dish. There are many variations; for mine, I used Gruyère cheese and basil. Click the picture for my recipe, and try this as an alternative to baked or mashed potatoes with dinner!
Austria - Adapted from the famed Schonbrunn Palace bakery's recipe, this Apple Strudel is delectable! Click the picture for my recipe, and try this as special dessert, well worth the effort!
Ireland - Barley and apples are staples of Ireland's crops, so with such an abundant source, it makes sense to combine the two for a tangy pudding. Click on the picture for a super simple recipe that looks elegant on any table.
Germany - The Black Forrest Cherry cake offered near “Mad” King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle is entirely different than the cake of the same name made in America. There’s no gooey layer of processed cherry filling. It’s a multi-layer piece of light confectionary heaven. The cookie form comes close with chopped cherries and white chocolate chips simulating the cream – and is much easier to make!
Belgium - Flamishe aux Poireaux is a Belgian tart of leeks with lean bacon or ham. This traditional Flemish dish is great for brunch or as a classy, yet simple supper. Although a part of the onion family, leeks have a distinctive sweet and delicate flavor, making this creamy quiche-like tart one that is hard to walk away from after just one slice!
France - Madeleines are delightful cookies that are more like miniature puffy cakes. These have a very distinctive flavor, a combination of orange and the spice cardamom, part of the ginger family. They make a delicate dessert or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
England - Carrot and Coriander Soup is an ideal dish for warming chilled winter bones. With a delicate balance of herb and carrot flavors, this soup is not only super nutritious, it makes you feel good from the inside out! It’s tasty, filling without being heavy, easy to make and has an extra bonus – it’s comfort food without the calories.
Stockholm - Ris à la Malta is a must-taste-to-believe rice pudding unlike any other you’ve ever tasted! It is a popular dish in Stockholm and all of Sweden, with good cause. The meld of distinctive flavors of the creamy rice pudding laced with cardamom and topped with Sweden’s native lingonberry jam redefines comfort food.
Iceland - Plokkfiskur is a hearty cod stew regularly found on family dinner tables. There is no set one recipe; each family might make it slightly differently or use a variety of local herbs. Its basic ingredients are fish, potatoes and onion, paired with a simple white sauce. It can be served straight from the pot or baked for a nice finish.
Spain - Miguelitos de Chocolate are puff pastries filled with chocolate cream. This is an adaptation on the traditional recipe, which uses a basic cream filling. It is named for the pastry maker's friend who was the first to taste the new treat in 1960 in Pamplona, Spain.
