Antwerp, Belgium
Greetings!
I spent the weekend with my son in Antwerp, Belgium and it was so good to see him. I know how precious every minute is that I still get to see my boys.
Antwerp, Belgium is a city full of awe-inspiring architecture and cultural landmarks, but one of its true gems is the Antwerp train station, or Antwerpen-Centraal. As soon as you step off the train, you'll be greeted by the magnificent station, considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Designed in an eclectic style by local architect Jan Van Asperen, it took a decade to complete, between 1895 and 1905. The impressive dome, intricate decorations, and grandeur of the station are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
But Antwerp isn't just known for its architecture, it's also a foodie's paradise, with a rich culinary culture that's famous around the world. A must-try when visiting Belgium are the iconic Belgian waffles, known for their crispy yet fluffy texture, and often served with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce. Speaking of chocolate, Belgian chocolate is another delicacy that should not be missed. With high-quality, handcrafted varieties made from the finest ingredients, you can find chocolate shops throughout the country offering a range of flavors and varieties. Trust us, it's worth visiting as many as you can, we went to 7 different chocolate shops in one day!
And of course, we can't forget about the classic Belgian dish Moules-Frites, consisting of steamed mussels served with French fries, often cooked in a flavorful broth with white wine, onions, and herbs. This is a must-try dish for seafood lovers and is sure to leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Beyond the food, the city itself was a dream come true. The historic architecture, picturesque canals, and vibrant culture were all mesmerizing. We found ourselves getting lost in the city, wandering for hours and taking in all the beauty and charm around us.
Now, I'm off to Switzerland to visit an old friend I haven't seen in years. I'm excited to explore the stunning scenery of this country and share my adventures with you. Until next week, bon voyage!
Chef Pascal
Here is another German Recipe: (if you are on Tik-Tok, you can click on the image, otherwise the recipe is below 👇)
German Treat: Pflaumenstrudel
Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
5 oz warm water
1 pinch salt
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
1 pound plums
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp butter
Powdered sugar
Instructions:
Mix flour, egg yolk, salt, water and oil until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
Wash and cut plums into bite size pieces.
Brown breadcrumbs with butter in pan and set aside
On a flour covered parchment paper or dishtoel roll dough out - pull the dough like a sheet once it gets thinner- keep going until it is so thin that you can read text through it.
Spread plums, sugar and cinnamon in the middle and fold dough. First fold in ends then fold like a buritto. Let the towel help you.
Move onto a baking sheet.
Brush with melted butter.
Bake at 400F for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm wit Vanilla Icecream or Whipped cream.
Guten Appetit!