I am back

I just returned (and now recovered from the 9 time zone jet lag) from a trip to Austria.  My brother and sister in law and their delightful 4 children live there.  It was nice to reunite with them after 6 years of not seeing them.  My brother from PA and my parents from NJ also went, so it was a family reunion that was sweet.  This is why I have been missing in action on blogging. Here are some pictures I would like to share from my trip.  Then I will return to my stack of recipes I would like to blog.

My husband earned his sainthood while I was in Austria.  He stayed at home doing his full time job plus taking care of the kids, doing car pool duties and church functions in my absence. I will be forever grateful for him allowing me to take this trip and reconnect with my family in such a beautiful way.

Enjoy the pictures of scenery and the food I encountered on my trip.

Schloss Orth, Gmunden, Austria

Langbathsee, Austria

Langbathsee, Austria

Gosausee, Austria (Gosau Lake)

Lipizzan Stallion in Pieber, Austria Breeding Farm

Mares and Foals at Pieber, Austria

Street Food: Skewered Smoked Fish - It's better than it looks!

Pork Roast and Austrian Bread Dumplings and Parsley Potatoes

Salzburger Nockerl (Salzburg Souffle)

Red Currant Jam under the Souffle

Becky at Traunsee (Traun Lake)

Homemade Marshmallows

The arrival of fall, for most of the country means cooler weather and a desire to warm oneself by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate to warm the soul.  (Of course, in Southern California where this past week we saw temperatures of 116 F it does not feel like fall, but we will be okay when you are encrusted in 3 feet of snow and we are still walking around in our shorts — I have done my time in bad climates – I grew up in Austria and spent 3 years in Washington State.. why do you think I like living in Southern California? I digress [and I am sounding cruel]:  Homemade Marshmallows no matter where you live ROCK)

My mother made marshmallows once when I was growing up and we noticed something different about it:  the marshmallows melted in the hot chocolate (unlike the store bought ones).  You will be pleased to hear that they are not difficult to make at home and your children will love you and crown you mother of the year (or father of the year if you are a father).  Food Network has a good version from Alton Brown.

Ingredients:

• 3 packages unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (or corn starch)

Instructions:

In the bowl of your electric mixer combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water and allow to sit and soften the gelatin.

In the meanwhile make the syrup:  Combine the water, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup of water in a small pan and cook it until the sugar dissolves completely.  Continue cooking until a candy thermometer reads 240F then remove from heat.

Attach the whisk attachment to your mixer; and with the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the syrup into the dissolved gelatin.  Once the liquid is combined, increase the speed to high and whip it until the mixture is thickened (about 15 minutes).  Add vanilla and mix to combine.

Coat a 13x9x2″ baking dish with a non-stick spray like Pam.  Spread the marshmallow mixture into the pan, sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar.  Allow to set.  After it has set, turn it out onto a powder sugar coated cutting board.  Spray a pizza wheel with more Pam spray.  Cut into marshmallows.  Put into a plastic container with more powdered sugar.  Put the lid on, shake the container to coat the cut marshmallows with more powdered sugar, so they don’t stick to each other.  Store for up to 3 weeks if they last that long.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Thank you Alton Brown on the Food Network.

Printable Recipe

 

Injured, but I promise to return!

Last Wednesday I took a tumble down the bottom 4 stairs landing flat on my back and then sliding down the rest.  After x-rays I had no fracture to be found, but it put me out of commission for almost a week.  Visits to the chiropractor are already promising.   I promise my posts will return soon.  Taking it easy for a while here though.

Thank you for following my blog.  Please use the handrail!

Becky