Exploring Salzburg

After a good nights sleep, we wrapped up warm to brave Salzburg's cold weather and find some breakfast.

Today we wanted to try as much food as possible and of course, top up on as much Gluhwein as we could.

We wandered through the different pretty markets, working up an appetite. I can't say that Austrian food is the prettiest but it definitely tastes better than it looks.

This probably looks very unappealing but it was one of the best things we tried all weekend....Goulash. It's a meaty stew seasoned with paprika and spices. Very hearty and delicious, despite it being served in a plastic bowl.

We also noticed that everything is served with a bread roll. Even the sausages were served in bread rolls.

This is called 'Leberkäsesemmerl' (try pronouncing that) which consisits of corned beef, pork, bacon and onions and is made by grinding the ingredients very finely and then baking it as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust. 

It was interesting...

Tucking into my cheese filled Kasekrainer (sausage to you and me).

Oysters.

Unfortunately the weather turned just as we decided to go up and explore Fort Hohensalzburg, a huge 11 century fortress complex on top of the hill. 

On a clear day you can see for miles but even on a foggy day you could see the beautiful town of Salzburg nestled in the mountains. 

On the other side, we had a beautiful view of the snowy alps. 

Back on the ground, the millions of fairy lights were glowing and we wandered round the stalls in search of more warming treats.

The 'ChristKind' market outside the beautiful Cathedral is where you will find the main Christmas Markets. The traditional stalls and the twinkling lights overhead create such a warming and inviting feeling.

We were lucky on our last night to experience something quite traditional and very quirky.
In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, during Christmas, punishes children who have misbehaved.
Although the Krampus can appear in many forms, he is usually black, hairy and has horns of a goat. He has a long tongue which lolls out and has fangs.

In Salzburg it is tradition that on the last 4 Sundays before Christmas, the Krampusses parade the streets, ringing bells and thrashes chains for dramatic effect. It really was a sight to see and a little scary actually. You can completely understand why children would be terrified of this creature. 

As they run round the Cathedral and the square, swatting visitors with their Rute (switch made of birch branches) we managed to get closer for a few cheeky pictures.

Before they swatted me and run away.

It definitely was a highlight to the trip and I felt quite lucky that I got to experience something very traditional.

Before we left I noticed that you could get a horse and cart ride around the city. I couldn't resist. 
We hopped in to a beautiful carriage and wrapped up warm beneath the blankets. Our driver asked if we wanted a quiet ride or whether we wanted to learn a little about the city as we went past, which we did. 

It was thoroughly enjoyable and if you get the chance I would highly recommend that you do take a trip round the city. 
We learnt so much about the city and not only that but it was nice to sit back, relax and watch everything go by. 

Salzburg was a wonderful trip and would be perfect for any getaway not just Christmas. 

What's on your list of places to visit? Do you have anywhere I should go next?

A winter Trip to Salzburg

Just before Christmas we set off for a new adventure and made our way to Salzburg to visit the Christmas Markets.

It’s become quite a tradition to visit the traditional markets every year and this year was no exception. Last year we went to Berlin and this year we decided to see what the Austrian markets had to offer.

Opting for Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The sound of Music we were excited to explore and see what it had in store for us.
Boarding an extremely early flight to Salzburg we landed at about 10am and were welcomed by a very cold, crisp wintery morning and bright blue skies.
Wrapped up warm we made our way to the hotel. 

One of the best things about travelling to Salzburg is not only is the flight quite short, the town is about 15 minutes from the airport. So for a weekend break, it’s perfect.

We stayed in the Crowne Plaza and after being surprised with a room upgrade, strawberries in the room and the biggest bathroom I have seen, we were ready to explore the town.

The town is extremely picturesque and when we went it was fairly quiet too. Which allowed us to happily wander through the cobbled streets admiring the views. It wasn't long before we started to crave something to keep us warm and what could be better than a glass of Gluhwein. 

Similar to Berlin you pay for a glass of Gluhwin and a small deposit for your cup which you can hand back afterwards or keep it if you wish. If you've read my Berlin posts from last year, I'm sure you'll have guessed by now that I kept quite a few.

We wandered around the pretty market stalls of which there were lots, offering all different kinds of trinkets and presents to take home to your loved ones. 

The toys above are what I call 'Smoking Men'. You fill them with incense and once lit the smoke starts to escape through their mouth or whatever instrument they made be holding. Very traditional and a great present, we spent a while picking out the best Australian looking figures. 

And of course, if food is something you are more interested in...then there is plently of that too. 

From fresh fruit to sausages and amazing sweet treats, there is something here for everyone. 

We were particularly keen to try the marshmallow filled pastries which seemed something of a tradition and unlike anything I had really tried before. 

My advice....share one. They are very filling. 

 Homemade warm bread with delicious raclette cheese topped with bacon and leaks. Exactly what you need to keep warm on a chilly evening. 

More on the Austrian food tomorrow. 

In the evening I was surprised to return to the hotel to receive a 'turn down service' I didn't really realise that this actually happened. Not only where our covers turned down but they left us mini chocolates and a Sudoku puzzle each.
Which naturally we raced each other to see who was the fastest.

Tucked up in the biggest and comfiest bed I've slept in in ages. We fell fast asleep ready for another day of adventuring.

Winter To Do List

With Winter creeping in around the corner, Here is a list of fun things that I am looking forward to doing this Winter.

1. Decorate the house with cosy blankets, candles and cushions
2. Wrap up warm and go for a Winter stroll
3. Snuggle up by the fire and read a good book
4. Donate food and toys for Christmas to people who need it more than we do
5. Toast marshmallows by the fire
6. Have a long bubble bath with a glass of wine
7. Go and see your local Christmas lights turn on
8. Make hot chocolate
9. Decide on the one New Year's resolution that important to you
10. Plan a Winter escape to somewhere warm. (Even if it's a fantasy trip)
11. Host an impromptu Champagne only party
12. Have a Wintery manicure
13. Learn how to knit and make a scarf
14. Get a blowdry or makeover (or both) before the Office Christmas Party
15. Make Winter Cider, check out 'The Londoner's' recipe
16. Go sledding (if it snows)
17. Learn to bake something new. Try these or these
18. Start thinking of Christmas gifts for people. I love this idea
19. Go and see 'The Nutcracker''
20. Light some sparklers on Bonfire Night

Check out my Winter page on Pinterest for more Wintery ideas. 

What's on your To Do List this Winter?

Halloween Salad Recipe

It's almost that time of year again when the shops are filled with goodies, sweets and treats but no I don't mean Christmas.

It's almost Halloween!!

I thought it would be nice in the run up to Halloween to do a few more recipe posts and share with you some of the things I will be making in the next few weeks.

To start us off I'm going to show you a healthy recipe I have been loving at the moment.

Today's recipe is all about salad's but......Winter style.

I've teamed up with Florette Salad who have some great Halloween inspired recipes that you can try out for lunches, to take to work or to serve at that Halloween party you're throwing this year.

Florette has been around since 1983 so you know that their salad is one you can trust. It's fresh, crispy and the perfect base for what I'm going to show you today. 

The recipe I'm making is taken from the Halloween Salad Recipe.

You will need:

1 Bag of Florette Crispy

1 Pack of Prosciutto

100g Sauteed Mixed Mushrooms

1/2 Butternut Squash

30g Parmesan Cheese

Balsamic Dressing

First you will need to slice the butternut squash (skin on) drizzle with some olive oil and then roast for about 40 minutes.

Cut the mushrooms and saute them in a little bit of butter.

Scatter the salad leaves onto a plate, add the squash, mushrooms and prosciutto. Simply grate over the Parmesan and drizzle with some balsamic dressing.

And there you have it.

If you're interested in seeing some other recipes that Florette do, you can check out their website here

And if like me this winter you are trying to be healthier then you can have a look at their Healthy Eating Plan on their website. It's a full 5 day plan with some really healthy and nutritious meals, which you can find here

Who said salads are just for summer?

Dalston Street Food Market

North of the river in Dalston, you will find 'Street Feast' a bustling market filled to the brim with street venders selling all kinds of incredible food.
In an old abandoned warehouse you will find around 40 stalls, selling a huge variety of different cuisines from all over the world.

Juicy Burgers from the famous Blecker street to flavour packed Korean burritos from Kimchinay, there really is something here for everyone.

There's almost too many things to try that you can't possibly experience everything in one night but maybe that's a good thing, as I know I will definitely be heading back here again.

After taking a few recommendations from friends, we begun our night at 'Sticky Bun's, opting for the Shrimp and Pork sticky buns and boy were they good.

The buns were light and fluffy while the meat was succulent and tasty.

Next we decided to be a little bit naughty and made our way over to Smoke Shack for ribs!

It was possibly the longest queue in the whole place so we joined it eager to see what all the fuss was about.

I don't think I've ever tired ribs that were as tasty as these ones. Still slightly pink in the middle and covered in delicious barbeque sauce, it had just the right amount of kick to it. It wasn't long before these were devoured and we were ready to try something new.

A few beers later we spotted Bleeker St Burger. I have been going on for months about how much I wanted to try these burgers, so for me, there was no question about whether I could manage one or not.

We ordered a cheese burgers but later spotted 'The double beeker' - 2 burgers with black pudding sandwiched in the middle. Not really my kind of thing but Ian thought this sounded incredible. 

The burgers were good, extremely succulent and juicy. The meat was a lot thinner than I had expected which was good for me as I was beginning to feel rather full.

I would highly recommend trying one of their burgers but next time I think I'll head over to Mother Clucker and give them a go.

Feeling full and happy we stood by open fires to keep warm and people watch.

Most of the market is set in an old run down warehouse with little nooks and crannies, and small alley ways leading into hidden bars.

Girls with cocktails in pineapples and coconuts wander past whist others sip on gin cocktails from the bars over looking the crowd below.

Fairy lights and open wood fires are dotted around the place, helping cosy couples keep warm.

There is a real mix of people here which adds to buzz and incredible atmosphere that the market has.

This place would be perfect for a date night or even a catch up with friends after work.

So if you're looking for something a bit different and a huge choice of food, head on over. The website is here.

Arrive before 7pm and it's free other wise you will have to £3 upon entry.

For those who like to eat on their feet, this night market is most definitely the new hot spot in town.