1. Dutch stamppot – The Netherlands
Type: main course
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Mashed potatoes with kale and smoked sausage are the perfect dish to liven up any bleak autumn day. We like it best when it is prepared the traditional way, served with a big dollop of mustard. This recipe is very easy and will leave you with plenty of time to watch your favourite film. You only need 3 main ingredients: potatoes, kale and smoked sausage. Make sure you also have some milk, butter, salt and pepper at hand. Simply follow the recipe and serve up a bit of the Netherlands in your own home!
2. Apple strudel – Austria
Type: dessert
Preparation time: 60 minutes
Another deliciously warm recipe idea: apple strudel! It is up to you whether you serve your strudel with or without ice cream. You can have the apple strudel as an afternoon snack or as a dessert after your mashed potatoes with kale and smoked sausage. This pastry just oozes Austria... Put the strudel in the oven and let its delicious aroma permeate your home. Your family you will thank you for it, and so will your taste buds. Anyone who thought an apple strudel could only be made by a true pastry chef is mistaken. The recipe is surprisingly simple.
3. Flammkuchen – Germany
Type: snack / main course
Preparation time: 25 minutes – 60 minutes to rise – 15 minutes in the oven
Don't be put off by the preparation of the dough: it is really easy to do! And if you don’t want to spend any time or effort on making the dough yourself, simply use a wrap as your base layer. There are many variations on this German 'pizza'. The classic version is topped with red onion, bacon bits and crème fraîche. It is perfect as a quick bite or as an appetizer with a delicious glass of white wine. Of course you can also go for different toppings, such as mushrooms or chicory.
4. Trifle - Great Britain
Type: dessert
Preparation time: 50 minutes
This typically British layered dessert is a great option for a dinner party. You can prepare all of it in advance. The classic recipe uses three layers that are repeated several times: sherry-drizzled cake, red fruit or peach, and custard. Nowadays there are many variants: some people like to replace the cake with biscuits, and some prefer amaretto or limoncello to sherry. Some even use mango in their trifle!
5. Ratatouille - France
Type: side dish
Preparation time: 50 minutes
This French, vegan-friendly stew knows how to give your plate a vitamin boost. It always reminds us of better days in theProvence sun. Put a casserole on the hob and throw in the finely chopped onion, garlic, tomato, courgette, aubergine and bell pepper. Leave to simmer for a while and season with herbes de Provence. Serve with baked potatoes. And if you are keen on some meat to go with your stew: ratatouille is a delicious accompaniment to a perfectly cooked piece of meat or chicken.