We don’t usually eat sweets or desserts, but occasionally we do indulge in something a little decadent. During our time in Europe, we did allow ourselves to have a few special treats. Obviously, we couldn’t leave Germany without having apple strudel, but we also love a good cheesecake, so that is often our go-to dessert when we do decide to have something sweet.
Apple StrudelTraditional CheesecakeCustard Tart with Fresh Fruit
Even though we may not have dessert very often, one thing we learned was that European’s definitely make wonderful cakes, pies, and other sweets. We would have loved to try even more of the incredible sweets that we saw, but we were too often full from the heavy meals of the season. We will just have to schedule a return trip so that we can try even more specialties.
Strudel VariationRaspberry CheesecakeApple Cake
Perhaps in the future, we will skip the main meal so that we can concentrate on the various pastries, cakes, custards, and pies. Until then, we will just have to look back fondly at what we were able to enjoy.
A schnitzel is simply a thinly sliced or pounded piece of meat that has been breaded and fried, usually pan-fried. In many ways it can be considered a comfort food for the entire region, but it is especially prevalent in Germany. The protein can be pork, chicken, veal, or even other types of beef, so the variations are almost limitless as to the ways that it can be prepared. The most common is Wiener Schnitzel or Vienna Schnitzel, which is a veal schnitzel served with a wedge of lemon, but in Germany it is most often pork with a mushroom cream sauce. We also had a wonderful Chicken Cordon Bleu Schnitzel as well as some very simple schnitzels. It certainly isn’t necessarily the prettiest of meals, but that doesn’t take away from how well it tastes. Schnitzel will forever be connected in our minds with our time spent in Germany and every time we take a bite of schnitzel, we will be transported back to our time spent in Frankfurt.
Our Very First Wiener SchnitzelEnormous Schnitzel in ViennaServed with Pickled CucumberAnd Fried PotatoesSchnitzel with a Chutney SauceSchnitzel with a Mushroom Cream Sauce
Taking a tour of the Residenz in Würzburg, Germany, was definitely a highlight of the weekend that we spent in the quaint little city. You can usually count on finding a palace, castle, and a cathedral or dom in most historic European cities and Würzburg was no different. The palace, which is called the Residenz, is one of those truly beautiful places that is definitely worth visiting. We were there during the winter, so we didn’t get to enjoy the beautiful gardens, but the interior, with its Baroque/Rococo architecture and artwork more than made up for not walking through flower lined paths.
Franconia FountainGrand EntranceCeiling in the Residenz
There were many Prince-Bishops who resided at the Residenz during the time that it was constructed, although the end result is not disjointed or lack cohesion. The foundation for the palace was first laid in 1720 and construction was completed around 1780. As with many cities and palaces in Germany, the Residenz suffered tremendous damage during World War II and reconstruction work continued from 1945 to 1987. Great care was taken to restore it back to as close to it’s original grandeur as possible at a great expense, but the result is magnificent. In 1981, the Residenz was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which is richly deserved.
Us at the PalaceWalking to the PalaceMore Fountain Figures
The grand staircase is by far the most spectacular part of the palace. With it’s Baroque artwork, amazing frescos, and 3-D reliefs, there is so much detail to enjoy. Unfortunately were not able to take any photos within the palace, but we enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful artwork. Outside of the palace, the Franconia fountain is the dominating feature. It pays homage to the artisans whose artwork adorns the palace walls and ceilings.
Back of the FountainThe Residenz
Würzburg may not be top on most lists of places to visit in Germany, but we found that it was definitely worth a stop. Obviously there is more to see than just the Residenz, but we would highly recommend taking a tour if you get the opportunity.
