Hohenwerfen Castle

Sometimes, movies inspire us to travel to other places. The 1968 movie ''Where Eagles Dare'' and the mini series ''The 10th Kingdom'' were the reasons why my husband and I went to Werfen, Austria to see the great Hohenwerfen Castle.

Located above Salzachtal valley with a very dramatic view, the castle is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennengebirge Mountain Range.

Built as a fortress during the 11th century by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg to protect the Salzburg Archbishopric against the forces of King Henry IV.  In the later period, it was not only used as military base but also as a hunting retreat by the archbishops of Salzburg. The castle was also used as a prison for Protestants and some noblemen. Rulers like Archbishop Adalbert III, Count Albert of Friesach and Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau were held prisoners in Hohenwerfen Castle.

Nowadays, the castle exhibits a collection of historic weapons and is also a museum of falconry.


Hohenwerfen Castle
Address: Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen, Austria
Coordinates: 47° 28′ 55″ N, 13° 11′ 16″ E
Admission: €15 

Yummy Fried Empanadas

One of my favorite pastries is called  Empanada. Empanada is a stuffed pastry with different fillings. It can be found in many countries like Portugal, Spain, Latin America and some parts of Southeast Asia like Indonesia and Philippines.

Although making empanadas is not easy but it's mouth-watering goodness in every bite. Hope you enjoy my recipe below!

Empanada

Ingredients: (Dough)

2 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 1/4 Tsp Active Dry Yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tsp Salt
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Cup Warm Water
Butter or Margarine

(For Filling)
200 g Grated Emmental Cheese
1 Cup Chopped Onions
1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms (Champignon)


Method:
1) Combine all dough ingredients in a big bowl and mix thoroughly.
2) Cover the bowl with cloth, let the dough rise for an hour.
3) After an hour, knead the dough flat for 10 minutes, divide into portions
    (make a 2 inch ball), add flour if necessary.
4) Mix the filling ingredients- cheese, onions and mushrooms, set aside.
5) On a floured surface, roll ball into a thin circle then put 1 tbsp of filling
     onto the center.
6) Fold into a fan shape and seal edges by pressing with your fingers.
7) Brush some melted butter on the empanadas.
8) Heat oil in a deep-fryer. Place one or two empanadas into the fryer at a time. 
9) Cook for about 3-5 minutes, turning once to brown on both sides. 
10) Drain on paper towels, and serve hot.

Saturday Goodies

One of things I love about Sweden is Lordagsgodis. ''Lordagsgodis'' or Saturday goodies, a practice that has started in the 50's where parents allow their children to eat all the candies they want but only during Saturdays.  Well I guess this doesn't only apply to children since grown ups also implement this tradition. ;)

A bagful of ''Lordagsgodis''

And my favorite candy shop with a wide selection of Swedish candies is Herrgårds Toppen.

Herrgårds Toppen
Hinneryd path 37
287 34 STRÖMSNÄSB RUK
Tel. 0433-202 00

Mon-Fri: 9:00- 19:00; Sat-Sun: 10:00-19:00

Please Help the Typhoon Haiyan Survivors!!!

How to Help: Here are the lists of Organizations offering relief to Typhoon Haiyan Survivors.

CLICK HERE.