Maple-Glazed Rutabaga. EUROPE, FINLAND
Maple syrup and butter give the root the most addictive flavor and it makes a great side dish for salmon or roast chicken. A total eye opener. The technique would be lovely with any carb – carrots, potatoes, butternut squash – or even a hearty blend of them all.
French Omelet. AFRICA, EUROPE, FRANCE, GABON
Have everything you need out on the counters, ready to go (eggs, filling, topping, plate, paper towel) – Get your pan very hot. The eggs won’t cook quickly enough otherwise.
Smoked Salmon | Smørrebrød. DENMARK, EUROPE
Throughout Scandinavia the smørrebrød, or open faced sandwich is the pretty way to eat lunch. I’ve turned them into dainty finger food, perfect for parties.
Czech Potato and Pickle Soup | Polévka okurková. CZECH REPUBLIC, EUROPE
One bowl of this soup takes the bite out of winter. Thick, creamy, and vegetarian, you’ll be amazed at how well the flavors meld.
Balkan Baked Beans | Prebranac. BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA, EUROPE
Prebranac is rich, comforting, and tasty. This baked bean dish is like a warm hug from Bosnia, the “Heart of Europe.” The key is to slowly cook the onion until the golden, sweetness develops.
Warm Christmas Potato Salad | Seasoned Potatoes with Salt Cod. CROATIA, EUROPE
This warm salad benefits from the resourcefulness of Croatians who still enjoy preserved fish with salt. Mixed with creamy red potatoes, a bit of bacon, and green onion – this salad makes a great side dish for any eastern European meal.
Ham and Cheese Bread | Prisnats. EUROPE
Breakfasty, bready prisnats are great comfort food. You’ll want to cut the ham smaller or add more flour so the little pieces won’t sink to the bottom. Enjoy warm!
White Asparagus a la Flamande | Asperges op Vlaamse Wijze. BELGIUM, EUROPE
White asparagus tastes more mild than green asparagus, perhaps even a little sweeter. The topping is rather like a rich, lemony egg salad and goes well with the asparagus.
Potato Pancakes | Mushroom stuffed Draniki. BELARUS, EUROPE
Pan-fried until crispy and hot, mushroom stuffed draniki taste like pumped up hash browns. Really great comfort food. Belorussians eat these with sour cream, although Americans will like them with ketchup.
Spaetzle with cheese and caramelized onion | KasNocken. AUSTRIA, EUROPE
This is an Austrian’s answer to Mac and Cheese. Totally wonderful and, as a bonus, vegetarian! One taste and you’ll want to move to Austria.
Green Beans with Speck | Schinkenspeck. AUSTRIA, EUROPE
Speck, technically called Schinkenspeck, is a dry aged prosciutto product. Bacon or ham can be substituted if your grocer does not carry this Austrian favorite. Enjoy Green Beans with Speck with chicken, fish, or pork.
Shopska Salad | Shopska Salata. BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA, EUROPE
This cheese is just like regular feta with a tad stronger – and a “hair” funkier – flavor. In fact, Barrel-Aged Feta is a great “first” funky cheese for those of you trying to convince a family member to “go funky.”