A
month ago, I left a cold Pittsburgh, went to a spring-like Romania and came back
to an even colder Steel City. But the
time in Romania was worthwhile as it was filled with birthday parties,
barbecues, frequent trips to the open market, and home-cooked meals with my
grandmother. Nothing short of
perfection!
It was a whole year ago that I went to see my family in Transylvania and the trip coincided again with my birthday, which is always celebratory and exciting! If last year, I specifically insisted that my Grandma Vicki included these spectacular Nutella filled Cookies on my birthday dessert menu, this year, her epic Chocolate Cake with Walnut Brittle took center stage. And Adrian’s cousin Alex called it “the Bomb”! Stay tuned for this recipe, you will not want to miss it!
Of
course, in my grandma’s kitchen one dessert is never enough, so the Chocolate
Cake was nicely accompanied by a Coffee Cream Cake and a Chestnut Cake. All gorgeous and mouthwatering!
After
an outrageously mild winter, spring came early in Romania. The moment the sun was out and the
temperatures started to climb, Romanians had two things on their mind: picnics
and grilling. As always, the mititei,
those small sausage shaped patties, were extremely popular; and so were the
pork steaks, chicken drumsticks, fish and these amazing Chicken Burgers, which
got me a standing ovation!
As
you can see, people love to crowd around the grill, literally, and get lost in
a cloud of smoke!
When
spring fever hits, Romanians start vegging out in parks, soaking up the sun and
relishing some crunchy pretzels.
I
prefer a trip to the open markets that are overflowing with fresh produce the
moment spring rolls around.
And
I can never turn down a visit to a traditional restaurant!
Apple
crusted pork chops with mashed potatoes and caramelized plums.
Spicy
pork shoulder with rice, runny egg and homemade pickles.
Gulyas
– Traditional Hungarian Beef Stew.
But
more often than not, home-cooked meals are the best and even more gratifying
when you introduce your hero, in this case my grandma Vicki, to new recipes
such as the juicy Chicken Burgers, this elegant Maple Sweet Potato Cake or this
one of a kind Pudding Cake of Honey, Cinnamon and Plums!
Poftă
Bună! (Bon Appétit!)
