Although found on nearly every dessert menu in South Africa, Malva Pudding actually comes from the Dutch, so I’m crediting this “Food Find” to The Netherlands. Malva Pudding (some know it also as “De Wet Pudding”) is a sweet pudding that is best served hot with custard, ice cream, or a sauce made from cream and sugar (Malva Pudding sauce). Some people even like to serve it with dolce de leche, poached apricots on top, and sometimes the extra Malva Pudding sauce on the side. It’s really a matter of personal taste. “Pudding” in this case refers to the English sort, as this dessert is more of a spongy cake with a caramelized texture. Sounds good already, doesn’t it!? The cake is rich and moist, and simply wonderful. There are a few variants of the pudding too, like Tipsy Tart, which has brandy in it, or Cape Brandy Pudding, which has both brandy and dates. Any version will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, but Malva is the classic of the bunch. There are many theories as to why this pudding is called “Malva,” but one that I found plausible is that the name “Malva” comes from Malvacea, or Malvasia (a.k.a. “malmsey”) wine from Madeira. The pudding and dessert wine used to be served together after meals in and around Cape Town. Malva Pudding has become so popular that it can now be bought, already made, in some shops around the world, and reheated before serving. Although, I personally feel that fresh is always better, so try out the easy recipe below and be sure to make enough, because you’ll definitely want more!
Malva Pudding Ingredients
1 cup of milk
1 cup of (light) brown sugar
3 teaspoons of apricot jam
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon of vinegar
1 cup of plain white flour
1 egg
4 teaspoons of butter
Malva Pudding Sauce
1 cup whipping cream (not whipped)
6 ounces butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup hot water
To make Malva Pudding, first beat the egg and brown sugar together until the mixture is thick and light, then stir in the apricot jam.
Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda together.
Melt butter and vinegar together and then add the milk.
Add the sifted dry ingredients to egg mixture alternating with milk mixture.
Pour batter into greased oven-proof dish. Bake at 180 C for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For the Sauce: Melt together the ingredients for the sauce and pour over the pudding as it comes out of the oven.
*Photo from justeasyrecipes.co.za
*Recipe from chirundu.com
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August is right around the corner, so it’s about time we brought up Malmo, Sweden. Known also as “The City of Parks”, Malmo is a great place to stop for anyone visiting the Northern Euorope. Adjacent to the Baltic Sea, Malmo has picturesque scenery and architecture, and is famous for many reasons. One reason being that Malmo has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Sweden, and is therefore a great destination for any food lover. This port city has beautiful architecture scattered throughout, from both ancient and modern times. Malmöhus Castle houses special collections all year round, for exhibition, and is the oldest remaining castle in all of Scandinavia. A visit here will take you back the 15th Century, where as a visit to the Turning Torso building will flash you forward to 2005. Its entire construction twists 90 degrees and is considered to be the most exciting building in Northern Europe, and to some, the whole world. Malmo also offers world-class skate parks and some of the best arenas in Europe, which are great for sporting events or shows. Speaking of shows, Malmo is most famous for The Malmo Festival. Every year during the second half of August, the Malmo Festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors, making it one of the largest festivals in the world. It is for people of any age, from children to grandparents, and is filled with concerts (from Hip-Hop to Opera), theatrical performances, film screenings, sports activities, markets, art exhibits, international foods, and so much more. The best part of all is that it’s FREE! What budget traveler doesn’t love a chance to experience new and exciting cultural events, free of charge! This year the festival will be held August 20th through the 27th, so if you plan to head to Malmo then, make sure you book accommodations in advance, and enjoy the week of endless fun!
Being on the water, having two international airports, and being only 30 minutes from the center of Copenhagen, Denmark, makes Malmo easy to get to from anywhere in the world. Whether you choose to travel by boat, train, plane, or car, you’ll likely have more than one option.
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If canyoning, paragliding, rafting, viewing one of the world’s seven wonders, scuba diving, shopping, soaking in mud baths, snorkeling in caves, or exploring ancient ruins sounds like fun to you, then head to Dalyan, Turkey, where you can find all of these things, and more on a cheap budget. Dalyan offers a resort-like atmosphere at a fraction of the price of comparable European destinations, and still has plenty of local charm and culture. You can find an inexpensive tour operator, private guide, or just go it alone, which is probably your best bet, but no matter how you find your way around, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy between your sunbathing sessions on the lovely, soft beaches. Efes may be a major tourist attraction for cruise ships, but for good reason; it is one of the official “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. If you enjoy historic sights, also check out the spectacular Kaunos Tombs, carved into the cliffs overlooking Dalyan. Adventure junkies should head to Ölüdeniz and go paragliding over the beautiful beaches, or, just 45 minutes outside Dalyan is Akköprü, where you can cool down with some awesome white water rafting. If you’re a nature lover, make your way to the world famous Turtle Beach and watch endangered Loggerhead Turtles nesting in the sand, as they have done for generations, or find your favorite type of scenery and throw on your trekking boots. Almost anyone enjoys the most famous attraction in Dalyan: The Mud Baths and thermal springs. Best reached by boat, the Dalyan Mud Baths will leave anyone’s skin looking younger and feeling soft as a baby’s bottom. After basking in the sun with your full-body mud mask, take a dip in the thermal baths, which are said to have healing properties for both the inside and outside of your body. In fact, the waters at the Sultaniye Spring have the second highest mineral content in the world. Dalyan has all the spoils any budget traveler is looking for, and then some, and it can all be found at affordable prices. Though Dalyan is beautiful year round, it is without a doubt a summer destination, and getting there is easy. Drive, take a bus, or fly from almost anywhere, via connecting flights from Istanbul.
Switzerland may be one of the world’s most expensive countries, but a city like Lauterbrunnen welcomes the budget traveler, without forgoing the classic Swiss pleasures. Situated in a narrow valley with sheer, steep walls on both sides, and snow-covered mountains at the end, the views here are second to none. When the sun sets in Lauterbrunnen and reflects off the mountain glaciers, you will think you’re in a fairy tale. While Lauterbrunnen is a typical quaint Swiss village, it also offers up adrenaline sports like white water rafting, skiing in the winter months, wonderful restaurants and cafes, stunning hikes, 72 waterfalls that cascade and corkscrew through the valley walls, including the highest in all of Europe, and even some falls inside the mountains! The name Lauterbrunnen, itself, means “many fountains”, so one can imagine the scenery here. The best part though, is that you’ll be able to enjoy all of this on a budget. Yes, you can even find a place to camp in this mountain valley, rather than pay Swiss hotel prices. As if Lauterbrunnen didn’t have enough to offer, you can even head to nearby towns, like Isenfluh, and enjoy other pleasures, like riding a cable-car up to the mountain tops, or ride along the rack railway to the sunny terrace of Wengen, or continue onwards to Jungfraujoch, which is literally the “Top of Europe”. Lauterbrunnen may not be as well known as other famous Swiss towns, but it’s not exactly a secret either, so there are plenty of ways to get there, including public bus, and train. Whether you head there in the winter, summer, or in between, it is likely to become one of your favorite spots!
Preheat the broiler to the lowest heat setting. Evenly divide and spread the mustard on 4 slices of bread. Place a few slices of ham, followed by 1/2 cup Gruyere, on the mustard-side of the bread. Cover the cheese with the remaining slices of bread and spread the butter on the outside surfaces of the sandwiches.
Place the sandwiches on an ungreased baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes, turn them over, cover with the remaining cheese, and continue cooking until they are crispy and golden brown, about 5 additional minutes.
This recipe makes 4 sandwiches.
*Photo from image3.examiner.com
*Recipe from frenchfood.about.com
Citystay Mitte hostel in Berlin, Germany, is great place for those backpackers and budget travelers who want to be in the center of it all. Citystay Mitte is located right in the heart of downtown Berlin, which is especially convenient because you can walk to everything; no public transportation needed! All the major sightseeing spots (Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust memorial, Humboldt University etc.) are within walking distance. In addition to the great location, the Citystay Mitte has two things that make the hostel so popular: a full on beer garden (in the summer months) and a café, which serves up fresh organic foods. Citystay Mitte also has free wi-fi, spacious rooms, city tours, and a bar that is open 23 hours a day! The best part is: Citystay has all these amenities at an affordable price. While Europe can be an expensive place to visit, rest assured this hostel will save you some money.
Three reasons to stay at CITYSTAY MITTE:
1. Great location.
2. The Beer Garden. How many hostels can you think of that have that?
3. Citystay Café. On the road, a majority of backpackers tend to eat poorly but the food at Citystay Mitte is good and good for you!
In 1949, Plitvice (PLEET-veet-seh) Lakes National Park became the first National Park in Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage sight has been the backdrop to feature films, and during Croatia's war with Yugoslavia, the park was occupied by the Serbs. But, the memory of the war is fading and this natural wonderland is an extremely popular tourist destination for people of all ages and backgrounds. It can get quite crowded during peak months (April - October), and the ticket prices increase slightly, but it's well worth battling the hordes of tourists, and paying a little extra if you can't make it in the off season. One of the best back-to-nature experiences in all of Europe, this colossal water garden covers 300 square kilometers (115 square miles), while varying greatly in altitude as well, and has 16 terraced lakes that descend through Europe's most primeval forest; complete with bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species! These crystal-clear waters are strung together by rushing waterfalls, miles of pleasant plank walks, footpaths, and wooden bridges. This system of trails and boardwalks makes it possible to get up close to the park's natural beauty, and in some places, the paths lead right up to the middle of a waterfall. Countless cascades, strangely clear and colorful water, and unassuming caverns make this park an absolute must see. If you take the bus to the upper lakes and walk down, it is possible to see the entire park in one day. Or, if you prefer to take your time and treat the park as its own destination, you can camp out right on the premises! If you prefer to soak up some local culture, you can find a private room in one of the nearby villages (such as Slunj). Plitvice has its own beautiful lodges inside the park, but the bungalow campsites are sure to be more budget-friendly. There are also restaurants and snack shops, so you really don't have to leave the park for anything if you don't want to! Being just a two-hour drive south of the capital city of Zagreb also makes Plitvice easy to get to. Whether you go for a day or stay for a few, you are sure to remember Plitvice Lakes National Park forever!
Durmitor Lamb is a delicious dish that is served up regularly in Montenegro. Montenegrin food has been influenced by Italian, Serbian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Montenegrins are proud carnivores and will tell you that meat dishes are their specialty. This one is very traditional and is typically cooked "ispod saca," meaning "under the coals," using a special pot called a "sac." Cooked in milk, and typically served with potatoes and kajmak, a sour cream cheese/yogurt, this is a hearty and flavorful example of simple, satisfying food. Nearly all food in Montenegro is organic and of the highest quality, making the flavors very distinct and rich. The ingredients depend upon what's available locally, and this dish is popular in the Northern region of Montenegro, where the dairy and cattle is especially good in the mountains. The quality of the food in Montenegro is not only some of the healthiest, and unpolluted in the world, but because of this high quality, the flavors of the ingredients are supreme and will be hard to match. If you want to try out this traditional dish with the ingredients you have available, here's a recipe!
Tirana, Albania was once only accessible to the Communist elite, but in recent years has opened its doors and is beckoning for visitors. Situated between the ranges of Dajti Mountain and the beautiful coastal plains, the scenery here is quite lovely and relaxing, but being the capital city and having the largest population in Albania, it's no wonder there is so much to do here. Stroll through some beautifully renovated parks, walk along the Ishëm River or one of the four lakes, choose from one of the many buzzing cafes, bars, clubs, or restaurants. Visit the zoo, Botanical Gardens, Scanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the National Museum, etc... The list goes on! There are plenty of sights outside of the city too, like Petrela Castle: a fortress built on a rocky hill, dating back to the fourth century BC. Tirana may have a mellow vibe, but the long evenings seem to stretch into clubs, to the sounds of live local DJs. Tirana is a great place to find some true Albanian culture, and being the second poorest country in Europe not only keeps Albania affordable for those on a budget, especially compared to its expensive neighbors like Italy and Greece, but this also means that they could use the tourism. Although currently in a political deadlock, Albania hopes to one day join the European Union, in which case the price of travel here will surely increase. Housing Albania's international airport makes Tirana well-connected to the rest of the world, and easy to get to, so no matter where you're coming from, you'll likely be able to travel to Tirana!
Arrosticini is a simple, yet delicious, dish that comes from the Abruzzo region of Italy. Typically served as a second course of meat or fish, it is most commonly made with lamb. The meat is cut into small pieces and pierced with a skewer, alternating fat and cubes of meat, to help keep the lamb juicy and tender. The skewers are then cooked over an open fire on a specially built grill, burning wood or charcoal, or even more traditionally, kindling from the local brush, such as grape vines or olive branches. The lamb has a mild flavor and, when cooked properly, will melt in your mouth. Like many Italian dishes, the meat is minimally seasoned, commonly with lemon, olive oil, and rosemary, and usually comes from a local source; sometimes, the cooks’ very own cattle. Most people serve arrosticini with other traditional dishes, like homemade sliced bread that has been soaked in extra virgin olive oil and, again in typical Italian tradition, accompanied by a glass of wine. Arrosticini are meant to be eaten with your hands, and pulled off the skewers with your teeth. The fresh, rustic taste of local ingredients keep this meal simple, but the clean, mild flavor of arrosticini is not to be underestimated. Due to its simplicity, arrosticini is now being produced both commercially, and in homemade fashion, outside of Abruzzo, and can even be found in few markets throughout Europe and North America. Once you get a taste of mouth watering arrosticini, you’ll find yourself craving it all of the time! To fulfill that craving, try out the recipe below:
Arrosticini
If you do not have a grill or barbecue, arrosticini can be cooked on a griddle or in the oven, provided they be well seasoned with oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Here's how:
-A minimum of 800 grams (4 cups) lean lamb, diced
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Rosemary sprigs
-Salt & pepper
-The juice of 1/2 lemon
Start your coals or light the heat under your griddle, and keep at a medium temperature, for the cooking.
Skewer the meat cubes neatly on well-oiled metal skewers or tiny disposable wooden kebab sticks (which you’ll have soaked briefly in water, so the heat won’t burn the wood). Marinate your kebabs in olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Turn them over to ensure all sides soak up the flavors. Dribble over the lemon juice and roast them on the barbecue quickly, 2-3 minutes, turning a couple of times to ensure even cooking, while basting the arrosticini with more olive oil, using your rosemary sprig.
The shepherd’s tip:
Cosimo, my new shepherd friend from Calascio, tells me that arrosticini meat should not be too lean, the fat marbling should be about 25% of the total used, this will avoid the preparation to become too dry and toughen on the chew during roasting. Arrosticini should be mild flavored, not "muttony", and if properly cooked, will melt in your mouth. Also maintain the flames (or the heat) low so that the arrosticini won’t char. And always keep a bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo handy when grilling arrosticini...
*Photo from romephotoblog.blogspot.com
*Recipe from agliooliopeperoncino.blogspot.
Bruge, Belgium is a charming city located in the Western part of Belgium, and is often referred to as “The Venice of the North”. It is roughly one hour by train from Brussels, and approximately two and a half hours from Paris, making it an easy destination, with medieval enchantment. With cobblestone streets and swans cruising the pond waters, it feels as though Bruges was built from a fairytale.
Though Bruges feels like a tiny village, there is much to do and see here. You can take a leisurely boat road through the canals, climb the Belfry tower, taste some of Belgium’s most delicious chocolate, and even view Michelangelo’s Madonna. It’s worth staying overnight in this serene city, to soak up its peaceful atmosphere.
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An authentic BELGIAN WAFFLE is one of my favorite snacks from my travels. In Belgium, waffles are sold by vendors on the streets, and are intended to be eaten “on the go”, not on a plate. Countries all over the world have adopted their own unique version of the waffle, but these are different than most. They are smaller, and served warm in a simple paper wrapping, to be easily held in one hand. The dough is dense and sweet with a rich vanilla flavor, and crunchy bits of pearl sugar mixed throughout. The outside is sticky and crisp with a caramelized sugar coating, and the crunch from the cast iron pan in which it cooks. There are two main varieties of waffles in Belgium. The “Brussels Waffle” is more widely known in other cultures, but this “Liège Waffle” is the most popular and authentic in Belgium. First made in Liège, Belgium in the 18th century, its popularity has been growing ever since. Although considered unauthentic by most Europeans, in the touristy areas of Belgium, many vendors offer toppings, such as decadent chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and fruit. These waffle snacks are to be eaten any time of day, and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. If you are planning a trip to Belgium, make sure you put these waffles on your to do list! Or, for a sneak preview, try out the recipe below!
Liege Waffle Recipe
2 cups flour
1 cup pearl sugar
1 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 (1/4 ounce) package yeast
1/3 cup lukewarm water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar (add some vanilla sugar)
1/8 teaspoon salt
How to make Liege Waffles in nine easy steps:
1. Take the lukewarm water and mix in yeast, 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar and salt. Let the yeast develop for 15 minutes. In the meanwhile you can melt the butter, but be careful - do not burn it.
2. Now take a large bowl and put in the flour, make a hole in the middle, pour in the yeast that you made in step one. Also add eggs and melted butter and knead until you get nice and even dough. Then let it rest so the yeast does it's magic and the dough doubles.
3. Now take pearl sugar and gently mix it in.
4. Again, let it rest for 15 minutes; in the meanwhile you can turn on the waffle maker so it’s nice and hot.
5. All that is left is to pour the waffle dough into the waffle maker and bake for 3-5 minutes. Because we mixed in the sugar late in the process it will melt and caramelize and give that special Liege waffle taste. Just be careful when you take them out of the waffle maker, caramelized sugar can make them sticky.
6. Enjoy!!
* Photo taken from liegewaffle.wordpress.com
* Recipe from www.waffle-recipe.com
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