A Moveable (Hungarian) Feast

Ice Skating Next to Vajdahunyad Castle

My husband and I journeyed to wintry Budapest last Christmas to explore the destination we'd heard so much about.  Due to its stunning architecture, Budapest earned its nickname the "Paris of the East," and is renown for its historic Turkish thermal baths (still in use and amazingly relaxing), vibrant nightlife (just google "ruin bars" and you'll see what I mean), festive Christmas Markets, as well as distinguished musical history and unique boutiques.

Budapest Christmas Market

One of the things I love most about traveling is the FOOD.  To me, good food = a good time.  Hungarian cuisine was entirely new to me. Day by day, I was introduced to delicacies like lángos (fried dough with various savory toppings), goulash (their famous beef and veggie stew), halászlé (fisherman’s soup) and kürtőskalács (sweet cinnamon/sugar chimney cake baked fresh over charcoal and sold at Christmas Markets).  I even brought containers of their signature paprika back to LA in an attempt to spice up my cooking at home.

Enjoying a Café in City Park

Another cornerstone of Hungarian gastronomy is the prevalence of historic coffeeshops, some of which date back to the early 1800's.  Café culture in Budapest was outstanding, and my husband and I would often duck into our favorite café to escape the bitter cold, warming our hands on Tejeskávés (café au lait) and watching bundled up people scurry past outside.

Treats and Mulled Wine in Vörösmarty Square

I love making this recipe when I'm craving a rich European-style coffee drink. It's perfect for cold days or when you're in the mood for a sweet treat:

European Cinnamon Mocha 

  Recipe makes 4 cups

   Ingredients

- 1/3 cup ground dark roast coffee (not instant granules) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup whole milk - 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar - 2 tablespoons baking cocoa - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 cinnamon sticks, optional - Whipped cream, optional

• Directions

1. In a coffeemaker basket, combine the coffee and ground cinnamon. 
2. Prepare 4 cups brewed coffee according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Meanwhile, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa and vanilla in a saucepan.
4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes or until small bubbles appear on the sides of the pan, stirring occasionally (do not boil).
5. Pour hot milk mixture into four mugs, then add cinnamon-flavored coffee.
6. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream if desired.

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A new Gourmand fragrance will be released 
in the Reliquary Perfumes shop this weekend 
featuring notes of: 

Espresso, Café au lait, Cacao, Orange, Cinnamon and Vanilla

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I'll leave you with an image (of perfume no less!) from Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel.  TGIF!!! Have a wonderful weekend!