Ok, here’s the highlights from the week that was… sweet treats from Norway, homemade German pretzels and a personal lesson on empanadas from a real life Colombian. Then of course no week is complete without a trip to Italy and Rosella’s. China also makes a feature, because unlike Trump I’m not playing the blame game… they are ok with me.

Germany

I’ll be honest, I went to Germany twice this week. Firstly for housemate night where we had a Bavarian feast. Then I decided that Germany wasn’t complete without pretzels, so I went again on Friday and spent the better portion of two hours trying to perfect a recipe for 30 minute pretzels (lies!!). This is what I learnt: use proper baking paper or be prepared to be eating paper lined pretzels, broiling does make a difference but they are good without too, pretzels can be on the chubby side and never expect a recipe to take the time it says.

 

I also made some mustard from scratch… and it had bite! Initially it was meant to be eaten on Tuesday night, but I didn’t realise it needs to sit for at least 12 hours, classic. Luckily my housemate had some sauerkraut that she prepared earlier, otherwise we would have had to wait for about 2 weeks for that one. I actually really enjoy the German spread. I probably haven’t had a sausage since I was last in Germany. It definitely had me reminiscing.

Cuisine: German

Dish/es: Sausage, condiments including homemade mustard, sauerkraut, rye bread and pretzel

Company: House mate and whoever wanted pretzel.

Here are some of the photos of the real deal from my travels for comparison.

 

Italy

This week was pizza. Pizza is my favourite. Yes, pasta is delicious especially when it’s homemade… but pizza is just the best. I’ve graduated from my pizza party years when I could stuff myself full of Pizza Hut pizza. Once upon a time I was the designated ‘pulled-off pineapple eater’ because my siblings couldn’t handle a little fruit on their Hawaiian (mum later changed the order to a simple ham and cheese). I also stood up for the neglected crust, claiming it was the best part of the pizza (and polishing up my siblings leftovers too). It’s hard to admit, but back in those days I preferred my pizza cold and would put it straight into the fridge. Alas, those days have changed. I have become a pizza snob. There are just too many good quality options to settle for Dominoes or Pizza Hut anymore.

You just can not go past an authentic wood-fired pizza. There are plenty of places on the Southern Gold Coast that do this well. I should know, I’ve been to Italy (told you I’m a pizza snob). The pizza occasion this week was a joint birthday celebration for two of my favourite people and Balboa supplied us with the goods. The birthday girl wanted to celebrate like it was 2019 so we turned my backyard into the restaurant and both birthday girls dressed up as if they were actually going out. There was candles, wine, pizza and ice-cream.

Cuisine: Italian

Dish/es: Pizza… can’t remember all the names

Company: Birthday girls

 

China

Yeah, so China is copping a lot of flack at the moment. I’m sure Trump would sue if he could and ScoMo is launching an investigation. Then every man and his dog has some sort of conspiracy theory. I’m not game to jump on any of those band wagons, however, I will say that I ate some delicious food from the guys at Mr Hizola’s who do contemporary Cantonese style food. They are offering takeaway which, ironically, is probably the most popular way to eat Chinese anyway. I ordered a $20 meal box that got me a main, rice, salad, fried dumplings, edamame, pickled vege, oh and a piece of broccoli. Good value and good food. That is something to be proud of.

If given the opportunity I would love to go to China one day. Hopefully we don’t cut off the ties.

Cuisine: Chinese

Dish/es: Pork Cha Sui meal box

Company: Myself

 

Norway

It was my first home trip to Scandinavia this week. I have been to Norway in real life and know many friendly and hospitable Norwegians. I felt nothing but welcome in the beautiful and chilly fjords of Norway. If you know a Norwegian you may have been lucky enough to receive a fresh cinnamon bun. It sure is a good day when you are gifted with this form of baked goodness. You may also be offered Bambi on a plate. Both very cute, but I feel like the cinnamon bun may sit a little nicer.

Technically the Swedes and the Danish have something to do with the cinnamon bun too. But I decided Noway would be able to claim this one because of my past experiences.  Plus I wasn’t too sure where I could get any dear from or how to cook it for that matter. These cinnamon buns were not made by any Norwegians sadly, but the wonderful Maddy Trueman a freelance recipe creator that my housemate found on Instagram. These were a bit fancy. Made with spelt flour and topped with cream cheese and freeze-dried raspberries. Yum!

Cuisine: Scandinavian (Norway)

Dish/es: Cinnamon bun

Company: Cup of tea

 

Colombia

Like I said, I had my very own Colombian master chef guiding me through the emapanada process. Well, he is my friend Becky’s boyfriend, but he is from Colombia and a great teacher. I was so excited for this one. The three of us spent the night making, folding and eating empanada’s and talking about why Aussies can’t move their hips. These ones were filled with chicken, potato, cheese, mushroom and other goodies and then folded expertly and fried in oil. Then I’m told it doesn’t stop there, because it’s all about the sauces. So there were hot ones and hotter ones to serve. We agreed we all probably ate too many, but it was worth it.

Empanadas are eaten all throughout South America, but the Colombian ones are the best, of course. Becky and I think that we are probably good enough now to start up an Aussie fusion empanada street stall. It would be called ‘Throw another Emp on the Barbie’ and would have flavours like; cheesy vegemite, lamb chops and sausage sizzle, then dessert; lamington and pav. I think it could take off.

So what’s the secret to the folding? Sorry, I’m sworn to secrecy.

Cuisine: Colombian

Dish/es: Empanadas

Company: Becky and Jonathan

 

Rosella’s

Lastly by not leastly, Rosella’s. This week I got the Beef Casserole which sounds pretty Aussie, but of course has origins in other places. I’ll be honest, I definitely underestimated the casserole. Sounds very ‘slap it together and whack it in the oven’, but it was so delicious, maybe the best yet! The beef was tender and soaked in a red wine sauce of kinds. Then it was topped with cheesy dumplings. I know your mind goes to Asian dumpling straight away, mine did. Instead you have to think a bread dumpling, but cheesy. I applaud you Rosella’s, absolutely gorgeous! (I’m trying out gorgeous as a food descriptor… Jamie Oliver uses it all the time.)

Beef casserole, a major winner! Who knew?

Cuisine: Free food

Dish/es: Beef Casserole and Cheesy Dumplings

Company: Housemate