Oct 31, 2012

Amazing Austria (My favorite things)



                                             A U S T R I A


                              I loved working in Austria. What a magnificent experience!





(ADRIANNA'S FAVORITE THINGS IN AUSTRIA)

Don't miss Schwarzsee lake in Kitzbuhel for a refreshing swim. Set against a wooded forest with walking trails Schwarszsee meaning (black lake) in German attracts locals and tourists for a picture perfect place to spend a few hours swimming and relaxing on the grassy shores. I often rode my bicycle here during my work breaks and swam in this splendid lake alongside ducks. This popular lake offers diving boards, slides, a children's playground, boat rentals, restaurants for dining and sweeping views of the Alps. The national Austrian railroad passes through Schwarzee daily with passengers coming from Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Swimming in any of Austria's stunning lakes. Some popular lakes include Hintersteiner, Mondsee, and Faakersee.

The Sound of Music Tour (on your own) is a better way to enjoy the film location shots without rushing.

The "Salzkammergut Region" is a vacation paradise. One of the most photographed villages in all of Austria (Hallstatt) is in this region.

Salzburg's Nonnberg Abbey, Mirabell Palace & Gardens, and  Schloss Leopoldskron are magnificent to visit and (The Sound of Music) fans will have vivid memories of visiting those sights.

Staying a few nights in a family run pension (guest house) is a wonderful way to feel like a local.

Untersberg Mountain (near Salzburg) is a breath-taking mountain.

Wilder Kaiser is Tyrol's gem of a mountain and worth hiking.

A day in Innsbruck (Known for the Olympics)

When shopping at a supermarket such as Spar or Bille stock up on  Reber Mozart Kugel Chocolates and Manner Original Neopolitan Wafers. (Austrian specialties)

There's no shortage of bakeries in Austria. Breads, rolls and pastries are especially delicious in this part of the world where everything is still made from scratch with wholesome flour and grains. My favorite pastime was picking up a variety of rolls at nearby bakeries and having a picnic in the meadow with a cup of cappuccino made with local farm milk.

A day or two in Hohe Tauern National Park (famous for Krimml waterfalls) is spectacular.

Mingling with the dairy cows on any of Austria's hiking trails and gathering some edelweiss flowers.


                                           Austria has lots of cows!

My ultimate favorite thing to do in Austria was to run barefoot through the meadows in my dress and apron and sing to my hearts content.

Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.....





AUSTRIA IS AMAZING!!!!


Austrian Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) should be sampled at least once by everyone and speaking of Apfelstrudel here's a recipe I'd like to share:




                                

                                              Austrian Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

For the dough mix together 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 cup warm water. Knead the dough on a lightly floured counter for 3-5 minutes. Divide dough into two equal halves. Knead each half for an additional minute and form into ball. Brush dough balls with butter and let sit 45 minutes.


For the filling, core and peel 2 pounds of apples, and mix the apple slices with 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Cover and set aside.


Brush one dough ball with melted butter, roll out on a lightly floured pastry board or counter. 
Stretch dough gently with your hands until it's 16 to 18 inches long. Brush the dough with melted butter and set  aside for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of ground walnuts over the stretched dough and squeeze out any liquid left in the 
apple filling. Spread half the apple filling over the dough and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of golden raisins.

Carefully roll out the strudel and place it one half of greased baking sheet.


Repeat everything for second strudel.


Brush both strudels with egg whites and bake them 30-35 minutes at 400 degrees


Strudel is best served warm and with some clotted cream.


Enjoy!


Things not to miss while in Austria:


Skiing and Snowboarding on the slopes


Sampling a bottle of Almdudler (Austria's national drink) made of grape and orange juice

and mixed with herbs

Taking a train ride to the popular lakeside towns of Zell am See and Hallstatt


Having a gelato in one of Austria's many towns or villages. (Some of the best ice cream in the world)


Drinking some locally produced buttermilk from a farmer


Dining in a restaurant and listening to traditional Austrian music


Keeping your ears tuned to the beautiful sounds of cuckoo birds scattered throughout Austria and buying a cuckoo clock as a souvenir


Enjoying a beer at the summit of a hiking trail


The hospitality of Austrian people who will make you feel very welcome to their country


SOME GERMAN WORDS


yes   ja                               draft beer   Vom Fass

no   nein                             ice cream   Eis
bitte  please                      
danke  thank you
guten tag   good day
bread   brot
milk   milch

I loved my time in Austria and look forward to returning to this small country that brought me big adventures and unforgettable memories.


AUSTRIA really is amazing!!!



                          




































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