Archive for December, 2009

Lentil soup with smoked sausage

| December 31, 2009 | 1 Comment
Lentil soup with smoked sausage

Lentil soup is considered a lucky dish that is often served for New Year’s in many parts of Europe. The lentils symbolize wealth because they are shaped like coins. So why not try your luck at this flavorful dish! Happy New Year! Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 large onions, diced 1 tsp, minced garlic [...]

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Lucky New Year Foods from Central and Eastern Europe

| December 29, 2009 | 0 Comments
Lucky New Year Foods from Central and Eastern Europe

All around the world people eat specific foods to bring good luck, longevity, and prosperity for the upcoming year.  The following is a list of how countries in Central and Eastern Europe celebrate the new year with food. Austria Suckling pig is eaten and the table is sometimes decorated with miniature pigs made of marzipan or chocolate. The [...]

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Interview with executive chef & restaurateur Tom Kral

| December 28, 2009 | 1 Comment
Interview with executive chef & restaurateur Tom Kral

For almost 40 years, The Prague has been serving Toronto’s Queen West community with its authentic European cuisine. With specialities like schnitzel, goulash, dumplings, various sausages, soups, salads, and pastries, it has become the place for hearty home cooked meals. The eatery is now in the hands of the third generation of the Kral family. Here’s a featured interview [...]

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Christmas Photos from Central & Eastern Europe

| December 25, 2009 | 5 Comments
Christmas Photos from Central & Eastern Europe

Here’s a collection of Christmas photos from Central and Eastern Europe. Merry Christmas!

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Kókuszgolyó: Hungarian coconut rum balls

| December 23, 2009 | 4 Comments
Kókuszgolyó: Hungarian coconut rum balls

These delicious rum balls are made with cherries and rolled in coconut flakes. It is a very rummy rum ball, so if you prefer a lighter taste, ease up on the rum. Makes 28 - 30 rum balls. Ingredients 2 cup (400 grams) of vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed 2 cup (450 grams) of granulated sugar 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 3 -6  tbsp [...]

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Hungarian poppy seed bread pudding

| December 21, 2009 | 9 Comments
Hungarian poppy seed bread pudding

Mákos guba is a popular dessert in Hungary that is baked for Christmas. It contains poppy seeds which was originally meant as a fertility charm, to ensure a plentiful harvest in the coming year. Ingredients 2 large eggs 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (100 grams) firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 1/2 cups (620 [...]

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Braised red cabbage

| December 17, 2009 | 1 Comment
Braised red cabbage

Braised Red Cabbage This flavorful dish pairs well with duck or goose. Perfect for a holiday dinner. You may choose to adjust or add your own seasoning. Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced 3 apples, peeled, cored & grated 1/4 cup (50 ml) red wine 1/4 [...]

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History of Gingerbread Baking in Central and Eastern Europe

| December 15, 2009 | 7 Comments
History of Gingerbread Baking in Central and Eastern Europe

Tis the season for gingerbread…. or is it? Strangely, gingerbread didn’t just begin as a sweet treat for the Christmas season but was actually an important element for many cultures in Central and Eastern Europe.   Here’s a brief look at the history of gingerbread baking in the region. Origin of the Gingerbread Gingerbread has [...]

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Traditional Czech Christmas Foods

| December 14, 2009 | 1 Comment
Traditional Czech Christmas Foods

Christmas is a special time in the Czech Republic, with many delicious foods prepared for the joyous occasion. Most of the cooking and baking usually begins on St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) and ends with a large feast on Christmas Eve (December 24th). Here are just a few of the traditional Christmas foods enjoyed in the [...]

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Pie dough

| December 13, 2009 | 0 Comments
Pie dough

This recipe makes a rich and flaky dough that can be used for a variety of pies and tarts. You can also add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to personalize your dough. Ingredients 2/3 cup (155 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 6 tablespoons (90 grams) cold vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 2 2/3 [...]

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