Maybe it’s the computer nerd in me, but I hate crowds. I actively avoid them. When everyone else is going on vacation in the peak of summer during July and August, I’m quietly planning a trip for the fall or maybe in early spring. But, I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind — just once […]
On My Must See List: Oktoberfest Read More »
Every time I eat a cookie I bought at the store I feel slightly guilty. I could just as easily make cookies at home that would, probably, be healthier. Although a more appropriate way to phrase it might be “not as bad for me”. Plus homemade cookies are definitely tastier. But just like everything else,
First Try at Homemade Milano Cookies Read More »
For some reason I’ve been thinking about brunch a lot recently. I don’t know why but I have. And living in the middle of nowhere (sort of), there aren’t many decent options. Then it occurred to me that I’d never had poached eggs. So, as always, I decided to use my if-I-can’t-get-it-somewhere-then-I-can-make-it-myself philosophy. That’s how
Crab Eggs Benedict Read More »
Every time I turn the television on these days there’s another advertisement for a fast food or chain restaurant for their new sandwiches on pretzel rolls. Everywhere it’s pretzel rolls, pretzel rolls, pretzel rolls. Where did this trend come from? I decided to take a stab at the pretzel roll using my favorite soft pretzel
The Great Pretzel Roll Experiment Read More »
While my husband is a notoriously un-picky eater, he did seem to especially like the homemade farro pasta I made. I still had some of the grain left over from my last cooking adventure so I decided it was as good an excuse as any to try making something I’ve always wanted to try from
Farro Ricotta Ravioli Read More »
Sometimes there are places or buildings that I’d like to see that I’m pretty confident I’ll never see. For example, it’s pretty likely I’ll never get to see the Azadi Tower, or “Freedom Tower,” in Tehran, Iran. I don’t recall the first time I saw the monument but it was likely in the news. Over
On My Must See List: Azadi Tower Read More »
German tabloid Bild recently ran an article complaining about the recent price increases in ice cream in Germany. It’s enough to make an American chuckle. But international ice cream culture is something I’ve been considering off and on for a while now. It’s shocking how widely it differs by culture.
Late last year when I took a pastry class, I was introduced to The Secrets of Baking by Sherry Yard. I was impressed at the book’s layout. Each section teaches a basic skill or aspect of pastry and then offers recipes that are based off of that skill. For example, the ganache section offers recipes
Chocolate Tart with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust Read More »
As a German language learner, I’m always using references. It’s something you just can’t get around. I thought I’d share some of the German language resources that I use on a regular basis. I don’t have a lot of physical books but I have a few that are well used. The online resources, mostly dictionaries,
German Language Resources Read More »
Every day, people line up on the steps of the Reichstag, the German parliament building, in order to visit the famous glass dome on top of the building. From the dome, you get a breathtaking 360-degree view of Berlin: over the tree covered Tiergarten and towards the famous Victory Column. But, especially during peak tourist
Visiting the Reichstag Building in Berlin Read More »
En route to New Castle, we made a stop at Beaver Springs Dragway for their Nostalgia Nationals weekend. What can I say, my husband’s an old car guy. Nestled seemingly in the middle of Nowhere, Pennsylvania, the dragway was host to a small car show and, what else, drag races.
Nostalgia Nationals at Beaver Springs Dragway Read More »
After nine writing assignments and approximately six months, I have completed my German lessons! I took a correspondence course with the Goethe-Institut for writing training. It was generally a good experience overall and something I’m glad that I did. But there were little things that frustrated me.
Returning to German Lessons, Part 3 Read More »
