All posts tagged: SPRING

Road Trip along the German apple wine route "Route du Äppler"

Road Trip along the German apple wine route “Route du Äppler”

*Culinary Press Trip “Route du Äppler” in cooperation with Gourmet Connection and Hessentourismus* Let me take you on my Culinary Press Trip “Road Trip along German apple wine route “Route du Äppler” as plenty has happened in the Hessian apple wine scene. I would like to give you an idea of a fruity and fresh taste experience by sharing some facts about the “Äppler”, the German apple wine. The apple wine route passes over 250 km through the state of Hessen, starting in the south at the “Kelterei Krämer” and ending in the north at the “Brennerei Döhne” where about 12 local producers produce the delicious apple wine also called Stöffche. Join me on the part of the “Route du Äppler” around the region of Odenwald and Taunus outside of Frankfurt. The journey leads along beautiful meadow orchards and picturesque Hessian timber-framed houses. From Frankfurt to the Odenwald to Beerfurth, Reichelsheim, Michelstadt and ends in Oberursel in Taunus. The weather is on our side, too, and we are enjoying truly summer-like temperatures this spring. “The …

Summer pudding with labneh and orange blossom water

Summer pudding with labneh and orange blossom water

Finally we have strawberries in Germany and this summer pudding with labneh and orange blossom water, is packed to the top with them. Ok, the orange blossom labneh is not typically British yet, but I think it goes perfectly with it. Summer pudding is really easy peasy to prepare, you just need fresh strawberries, some raspberries and blackberries, chopped pistachios, some powdered sugar and brioche. The dessert should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. The next day, when the summer pudding is cut, it reveals its inner beauty. In the best case, the fuchsia colored filling from red summer fruits will run on your plate. We, at least, loved the combination of fruity cold dessert with the creamy orange blossom labneh. It’s so easy to prepare and tastes really delicious. A wonderful way to enjoy a nicely sized portion of ripe fresh fruit.

Labneh Cheese Cake with rhubarb and strawberry compote

Labneh Cheesecake with rhubarb and strawberry compote

Each region of the world has its own take on the best way to make Cheesecake. Germans use quark, while the Americans bake it with cream cheese, the Swiss with hard cheese, the Italians with ricotta and the French with goat cheese. We in the Middle East, on the other hand, bake it with Labneh or what we call in Persia Mast-e Chekideh. Have you ever made a creamy cheesecake with Labneh – Mast-e Chekideh? Give my Labneh Cheese Cake with rhubarb and strawberry compote a try and you will be addicted.