Light Meals and Weekend Treats from an English Woman in Berlin
It seems like this sunny weather is sticking around although I have felt slightly British the last few days by complaining about the heat already..! Every year it always takes me by surprise the lack of air coniditioning in Berlin. I get that Berlin is hardly the Mediterranean climate but the summers are hot! So instead, it means plenty of afterwork beer garden visits to the Prater or sitting on the balcony with a cold glass of wine….
The working week is a bit chaotic that we often end up working late, eating out or making quick dishes that can be thrown together such as a classic Leek and Spinach Spaghetti Carbonara or a Pad Thai. And so I find that the weekends are perfect for spending a little more time in the kitchen and enjoying good food. While I try and keep my freezer stocked up with mid-week leftovers such as a Classic Chilli Con Carne, ready to warm up after a long day, the evenings are still so short that finding the time to cook a nice meal is difficult….
A slice of toasted bread isn’t just to be eaten in the morning with a spread of jam and butter or topped with some eggs and bacon. The humble slice is for any time of day and meal time. At the weekends I like to buy a nice fresh loaf of bread and Germany is definitely the right place to have plenty of choice. Bread is often something that German’s miss when they are away from home and they really do take it seriously. When I first arrived in Berlin I found it difficult to get my hands on a typical loaf …
Butternut squash has to be one of my favourite foods during the autumn and winter months. There is something so comforting about it and you can add it to more or less anything! I like to make a big batch of Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup that has plenty of heat and spice to keep away those winter colds! A Goats Cheese and Butternut Squash Salad is also one of my favourites and the perfect dish for a winter’s night when you are still looking for something a little lighter …
I am loving Spring! May is my favourite time of the year in Berlin. The sun is out (well, for some of the time at least!), there are plenty of public holidays and the parks are busy with people hanging out and enjoying the sunshine.
We had friends over last weekend and spent sunday afternoon in the Tiergarten. Of course most of that time was spent at Cafe am Neuen See, a beer garden right by the lake. I am already looking forward to the warm weather this weekend and spending the weekend relaxing in the park with a picnic. One of the things I always make for a picnic is my Asparagus and Goats Cheese Tart which is like a quiche but I use puff pastry instead of shortcrust. …
I have recently moved apartments which means the past few weeks have been pretty hectic! Luckily, I got a new shiny big kitchen out of it so lots of room to get cooking. But because of the hectic move and being busy with work I almost forgot to make the most of chanterelle season! These little mushrooms are stocked up in German supermarket during Pfifferlinge season and taste delicious….
Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day – a holiday not as popular in Germany as in the US and the UK, but whether you’re in the mood for love or not, be warned that it will still be difficult to find a table on the night unless you’ve booked. A friend of mine last year tried to reserve a table the night before and luckily ended up with the last table reservation at Ars Vini. At 4:30pm….
The weather is certainly turning cold as we speak. But winter doesn’t have to be all about heavy stews and hearty one pot wonders. What I love about this time of year is the seasonal produce and butternut squash is a favourite of mine. Golden diced squash served with fresh veg, drizzled in a honey mustard dressing and topped with warm goats cheese and chopped walnuts – this dish is a great one for a light dinner….