Inspirations from Kirsten, Culinary Explorer

Kirsten’s comments and inspirations from her recent adventure to Germany. Michael and I were the happy recipients of Kirsten’s excitement. Here’s what she had to say~

Hello Wendy,

It was great visiting with the Pashman-Patrizio party this morning and trying to catch-up with each other. I was happy that you enjoyed my simple approach to breakfast. I was still so inspired by my visit to the Bavarian countryside and Munich. One of the highlight was a trip to a farm that produces meat and vegetable products including bread and beer. There is a store on the promises selling its products and a restaurant serving food made from their own supplies. Check it out http://www.herrmannsdorfer.de They also have great catering facilities.

My main pilgrimages in Munich are always the Viktualien Markt, which is in the center of downtown and has been there since 1807.

The food offerings are staggering. At my favorite bakery there Hofphisterei p://www.hofpfisterei.de/hpf_sortiment_natursauerteigbrote.php (scroll on the arrow to see their choices of bread alone!) a pretzel croissant got my attention and it was delicious. Soft like a regular croissant, but with a light pretzel coating. The other must visit is Sarcletti for ice cream. The plum flavor is my all-time favorite, elderberries are a new addition to the menu and it too was delicious. I was there at 11:30 on a warm night and there was still a line at the counter. http://www.sarcletti.de

All this inspired my breakfast menu. Fresh raisin-walnut bread from the Red Hen bakery with Danish Lure butter-in remembrance of my quick visit to Denmark. Fresh blueberries, red currants and plums from the Green City Market to be mixed with the Greek yogurt from Trader Joe’s, which also reminds me of the wonderful Danish dairy products. The plums turned out to be under ripe and sour; so I quickly cut them up and cooked them with sugar and a piece of orange rind into a little jam. Perfect for making “jamies”. The Ethiopian Crown coffee came from an other famous Munich institution, Dallmayr a food emporium founded in 1700. The deli department has wonderfully vaulted ceilings, which always make me feel like I am in the church of my religion. I give thanks for all this blessed abundance with a glass of champagne served at marble counters.