European Vacation 2025

Lüneburg

My dear friends, it has been a while since I posted, and there's a reason for that. I just returned from a three-week vacation in Europe. We chose August because my brother and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In Germany, it's called a Goldene Hochzeit (golden wedding). I missed his 25th anniversary, so I was determined not to miss this one. It was fun, and I got to see many people I hadn't seen for years. We celebrated in a local pub in the neighboring village. The pastor came and gave a blessing, the mayor offered some kind words, and then it was time for a feast of food, starting with lunch. The lunch began with a wedding soup (my absolute favorite). However, this version was a little more flavorful than mine. The main course was Rouladen (beef roll-ups).There was also a pork roast, potatoes, red cabbage, and plenty of gravy—my favorite.

​Two hours of reminiscing with old friends followed, and then it was time for the Kaffe und Kuchen (coffee and cake). My brother’s friends baked the cakes, some of them well into their eighties. I have admired these women for their baking skills. They are truly amazing. One of my brother’s neighbors and good friends lost her husband of 60 years. 

After a walk through the village and some play, it was time for Abendbrot (evening bread), which included a buffet of sliced meats, salmon, and various breads. After many hours of good food and company, it was time to go home and digest. The kids had converted the old wedding film into a digital version, and we watched ourselves 50 years younger. Ouch!

My nephew provided us with his main bedroom in his house on the farm. He is a skilled craftsman and was successful in a German rock and roll band. My husband and I enjoyed our luxurious accommodations. 

Holding the new baby is worth all the hassles of travel.

My niece and her family were also visiting, as were my girlfriend’s daughter and her family. It was wonderful to visit for five days. 

Lüneburg

The Heath or Lüneburger Heide

​Why do I call this our European vacation? Before visiting the farm, my husband and I spent two weeks traveling through the Rhine Valley into Belgium and the Netherlands, then to my niece and her family in Lüneburg for four days. ​
Stay tuned for more posts about our European trip. 
​

Here are some recipes you might enjoy

This is one of my favorite soups; it's perfect for a Sunday project on a rainy day.
Click for the recipe here.

These rouladen are a quintessential German dish. They are slow-cooked and make a great presentation on any table. Perfect for a fall day.
​Click here for the recipe.

If you want to go all the way German, try these potato dumplings. The recipe comes from my German girlfriend Monika. They will go well with Rouladen or any meat dish as long as there's gravy. 
.​Click here for the recipe

This sweet and sour red cabbage is one of my favorite winter vegetables. It has earned a prominent place on my table and has pleased many.
​Clickk for the recipe here.
Guten Appetit and happy travels from the sunnycovechef